Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in East Cambridgeshire?
2,875 vehicles in 2026 against 268 in 2024: taxis 105 → 90, private hire 163 → 2,785; 30.95 per 1,000 residents; 0% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 105 | 90 | down 14% |
| Private hire vehicles | 163 | 2,785 | up 1609% |
| Driver licences | 278 | 3,100 | up 1015% |
| Operator licences | 16 | 16 | about the same as in 2024 |
How does East Cambridgeshire compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, East Cambridgeshire ranks 1st of 45 for vehicles per head (30.95 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 42nd for operators (16, median 40).[1]
| Measure | East Cambridgeshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 30.95 | 2.48 | 1st of 45 |
| Operator licences | 16 | 40 | 42nd of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 174 | 5 | 1st of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 0% | 21% | 43rd of 44 |
What does the East Cambridgeshire market look like for an operator?
East Cambridgeshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 3% taxis, 97% private hire of 2,875 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 174 PHVs per operator on average (2,785 across 16 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (3,100 for 2,875).
- 4% dual-licensed drivers, 2,961 PHV-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in East Cambridgeshire differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in East Cambridgeshire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Two tests for East Cambridgeshire taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No knowledge test for East Cambridgeshire private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by East Cambridgeshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does East Cambridgeshire grant?
4 new, 0 renewed; 16 in force (16 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in East Cambridgeshire?
16 at 1 April 2026, 16 at 1 April 2024 (DfT).
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] DfT taxi and private hire vehicle statistics 2026, tables TAXI0104-TAXI0112 (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [2] GOV.UK: Driver licences for taxis and private hire vehicles (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [3] East Cambridgeshire District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
