Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in East Staffordshire?
393 vehicles in 2026 against 447 in 2024: taxis 104 → 95, private hire 343 → 298; 3.03 per 1,000 residents; 79% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 104 | 95 | down 9% |
| Private hire vehicles | 343 | 298 | down 13% |
| Driver licences | 587 | 554 | down 6% |
| Operator licences | 56 | 56 | about the same as in 2024 |
How does East Staffordshire compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, East Staffordshire ranks 11th of 30 for vehicles per head (3.03 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 11th for operators (56, median 46).[1]
| Measure | East Staffordshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.03 | 1.96 | 11th of 30 |
| Operator licences | 56 | 46 | 11th of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 5 | 13th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 79% | 79% | 15th of 30 |
What does the East Staffordshire market look like for an operator?
East Staffordshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 24% taxis, 76% private hire of 393 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (298 across 56 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (554 for 393): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 71% dual-licensed drivers, 150 PHV-only, 11 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in East Staffordshire differ from other councils?
1 departure from the usual rules in East Staffordshire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Policy last updated: 2024, by East Staffordshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does East Staffordshire grant?
4 new, 10 renewed; 56 in force (56 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in East Staffordshire?
56 at 1 April 2026, 56 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 Staffordshire Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
