Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Hertsmere?
866 vehicles in 2026 against 225 in 2024: taxis 1 → 1, private hire 224 → 865; 7.86 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 1 | 1 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 224 | 865 | up 286% |
| Driver licences | 307 | 1,145 | up 273% |
| Operator licences | 80 | 467 | up 484% |
How does Hertsmere compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Hertsmere ranks 5th of 45 for vehicles per head (7.86 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 2nd for operators (467, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Hertsmere | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 7.86 | 2.48 | 5th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 467 | 40 | 2nd of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 5 | 43rd of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 21% | 7th of 44 |
What does the Hertsmere market look like for an operator?
Hertsmere's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 0% taxis, 100% private hire of 866 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (865 across 467 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (1,145 for 866): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 1,142 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 Hertsmere differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Hertsmere'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 Hertsmere private hire vehicles, like only a handful of councils.
- No knowledge test for Hertsmere private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Hertsmere's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Hertsmere grant?
357 new, 10 renewed; 467 in force (80 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Hertsmere?
467 at 1 April 2026, 80 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] Hertsmere Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
