Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Eastbourne?
428 vehicles in 2026 against 438 in 2024: taxis 95 → 88, private hire 343 → 340; 4.11 per 1,000 residents; 9% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 95 | 88 | down 7% |
| Private hire vehicles | 343 | 340 | down 1% |
| Driver licences | 511 | 437 | down 14% |
| Operator licences | 23 | 28 | up 22% |
How does Eastbourne compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Eastbourne ranks 17th of 64 for vehicles per head (4.11 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 54th for operators (28, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Eastbourne | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.11 | 2.23 | 17th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 28 | 51 | 54th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 12 | 4 | 5th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 9% | 14% | 40th of 64 |
What does the Eastbourne market look like for an operator?
Eastbourne's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 21% taxis, 79% private hire of 428 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 12 PHVs per operator on average (340 across 28 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (437 for 428).
- 99% dual-licensed drivers, 4 PHV-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 Eastbourne differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Eastbourne's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- CCTV required in Eastbourne taxis and private hire vehicles; about 9 in 10 councils only allow it.
- DBS Update Service optional for Eastbourne drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No convictions policy required of Eastbourne operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Eastbourne's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Eastbourne grant?
4 new, 6 renewed; 28 in force (23 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Eastbourne?
28 at 1 April 2026, 23 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] Eastbourne Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
