Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Folkestone and Hythe?
342 vehicles in 2026 against 332 in 2024: taxis 218 → 218, private hire 114 → 124; 3.04 per 1,000 residents; 6% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 218 | 218 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 114 | 124 | up 9% |
| Driver licences | 385 | 380 | down 1% |
| Operator licences | 53 | 141 | up 166% |
How does Folkestone and Hythe compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Folkestone and Hythe ranks 25th of 64 for vehicles per head (3.04 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 6th for operators (141, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Folkestone and Hythe | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.04 | 2.23 | 25th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 141 | 51 | 6th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 1 | 4 | 62nd of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 6% | 14% | 47th of 64 |
What does the Folkestone and Hythe market look like for an operator?
Folkestone and Hythe's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 64% taxis, 36% private hire of 342 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 1 PHV per operator on average (124 across 141 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (380 for 342).
- 68% dual-licensed drivers, 120 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 Folkestone and Hythe differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Folkestone and Hythe's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit.[1]
- No disability awareness course for Folkestone and Hythe private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Folkestone and Hythe's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Folkestone and Hythe grant?
14 new, 5 renewed; 141 in force (53 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Folkestone and Hythe?
141 at 1 April 2026, 53 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)
