Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Fenland?
138 vehicles in 2026 against 135 in 2024: taxis 81 → 63, private hire 54 → 75; 1.32 per 1,000 residents; 2% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 81 | 63 | down 22% |
| Private hire vehicles | 54 | 75 | up 39% |
| Driver licences | 147 | 170 | up 16% |
| Operator licences | 32 | 38 | up 19% |
How does Fenland compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Fenland ranks 40th of 45 for vehicles per head (1.32 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 24th for operators (38, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Fenland | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.32 | 2.48 | 40th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 38 | 40 | 24th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 5 | 36th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 2% | 21% | 37th of 44 |
What does the Fenland market look like for an operator?
Fenland's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 46% taxis, 54% private hire of 138 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (75 across 38 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (170 for 138).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 88 PHV-only, 82 taxi-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 Fenland differ from other councils?
7 departures from the usual rules in Fenland's DfT return. Vehicles: drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No knowledge test for Fenland private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for Fenland private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Fenland operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Fenland operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for Fenland taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Fenland private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Fenland's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Fenland grant?
7 new, 8 renewed; 38 in force (32 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Fenland?
38 at 1 April 2026, 32 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] Fenland District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
