Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Hastings?
452 vehicles in 2026 against 426 in 2024: taxis 55 → 53, private hire 371 → 399; 4.96 per 1,000 residents; 15% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 55 | 53 | down 4% |
| Private hire vehicles | 371 | 399 | up 8% |
| Driver licences | 531 | 569 | up 7% |
| Operator licences | 27 | 32 | up 19% |
How does Hastings compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Hastings ranks 12th of 64 for vehicles per head (4.96 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 52nd for operators (32, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Hastings | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.96 | 2.23 | 12th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 32 | 51 | 52nd of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 12 | 4 | 6th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 15% | 14% | 31st of 64 |
What does the Hastings market look like for an operator?
Hastings's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 12% taxis, 88% private hire of 452 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 12 PHVs per operator on average (399 across 32 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (569 for 452): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Hastings differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Hastings's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- CCTV banned in Hastings taxis, like only a handful of councils.
- No English test for Hastings drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for Hastings private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by Hastings's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Hastings grant?
3 new, 15 renewed; 32 in force (27 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Hastings?
32 at 1 April 2026, 27 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] Hastings Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
