Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Harlow?
220 vehicles in 2026 against 257 in 2024: taxis 49 → 43, private hire 208 → 177; 2.24 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 49 | 43 | down 12% |
| Private hire vehicles | 208 | 177 | down 15% |
| Driver licences | 251 | 231 | down 8% |
| Operator licences | 25 | 23 | down 8% |
How does Harlow compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Harlow ranks 25th of 45 for vehicles per head (2.24 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 37th for operators (23, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Harlow | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.24 | 2.48 | 25th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 23 | 40 | 37th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 8 | 5 | 13th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 21% | 6th of 44 |
What does the Harlow market look like for an operator?
Harlow's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 20% taxis, 80% private hire of 220 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 8 PHVs per operator on average (177 across 23 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (231 for 220).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 181 PHV-only, 43 taxi-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 Harlow differ from other councils?
1 departure from the usual rules in Harlow's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Harlow's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Harlow grant?
0 new, 4 renewed; 23 in force (25 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Harlow?
23 at 1 April 2026, 25 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] Harlow Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
