Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Epsom and Ewell?
1,110 vehicles in 2026 against 1,088 in 2024: taxis 32 → 26, private hire 1,056 → 1,084; 13.33 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 32 | 26 | down 19% |
| Private hire vehicles | 1,056 | 1,084 | up 3% |
| Driver licences | 1,278 | 1,380 | up 8% |
| Operator licences | 47 | 66 | up 40% |
How does Epsom and Ewell compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Epsom and Ewell ranks 1st of 64 for vehicles per head (13.33 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 22nd for operators (66, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Epsom and Ewell | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 13.33 | 2.23 | 1st of 64 |
| Operator licences | 66 | 51 | 22nd of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 16 | 4 | 4th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 14% | 9th of 64 |
What does the Epsom and Ewell market look like for an operator?
Epsom and Ewell's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 2% taxis, 98% private hire of 1,110 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 16 PHVs per operator on average (1,084 across 66 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (1,380 for 1,110).
- 3% dual-licensed drivers, 1,344 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 Epsom and Ewell differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Epsom and Ewell's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- No disability awareness course for Epsom and Ewell private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by Epsom and Ewell's own account to the DfT.
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Epsom and Ewell?
66 at 1 April 2026, 47 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] Epsom and Ewell Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
