Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Gravesham?
160 vehicles in 2026 against 164 in 2024: taxis 111 → 95, private hire 53 → 65; 1.45 per 1,000 residents; 33% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 111 | 95 | down 14% |
| Private hire vehicles | 53 | 65 | up 23% |
| Driver licences | 174 | 171 | down 2% |
| Operator licences | 14 | 25 | up 79% |
How does Gravesham compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Gravesham ranks 52nd of 64 for vehicles per head (1.45 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 56th for operators (25, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Gravesham | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.45 | 2.23 | 52nd of 64 |
| Operator licences | 25 | 51 | 56th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 3 | 4 | 40th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 33% | 14% | 20th of 64 |
What does the Gravesham market look like for an operator?
Gravesham's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 59% taxis, 41% private hire of 160 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 3 PHVs per operator on average (65 across 25 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (171 for 160).
- 65% dual-licensed drivers, 60 PHV-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 10 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Gravesham differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Gravesham's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- Fewer booking details required: Gravesham asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out date of pick-up and driver licence number.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Gravesham's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Gravesham grant?
2 new, 2 renewed; 25 in force (14 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Gravesham?
25 at 1 April 2026, 14 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] Gravesham Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
