Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Hartlepool?
211 vehicles in 2026 against 239 in 2024: taxis 113 → 87, private hire 126 → 124; 2.15 per 1,000 residents; 2% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 113 | 87 | down 23% |
| Private hire vehicles | 126 | 124 | down 2% |
| Driver licences | 325 | 288 | down 11% |
| Operator licences | 4 | 5 | up 25% |
How does Hartlepool compare with other councils in the North East?
Among councils in the North East, Hartlepool ranks 9th of 12 for vehicles per head (2.15 per 1,000, median 2.65). It ranks 12th for operators (5, median 30).[1]
| Measure | Hartlepool | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.15 | 2.65 | 9th of 12 |
| Operator licences | 5 | 30 | 12th of 12 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 25 | 16 | 3rd of 12 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 2% | 13% | 11th of 12 |
What does the Hartlepool market look like for an operator?
Hartlepool's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 41% taxis, 59% private hire of 211 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 25 PHVs per operator on average (124 across 5 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (288 for 211): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 27% dual-licensed drivers, 168 PHV-only, 41 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Hartlepool differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Hartlepool's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- No knowledge test for Hartlepool private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for Hartlepool private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Hartlepool asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out date booking is made.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Hartlepool's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Hartlepool grant?
1 new, 2 renewed; 5 in force (4 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Hartlepool?
5 at 1 April 2026, 4 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] Hartlepool Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
