Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Ipswich?
907 vehicles in 2026 against 720 in 2024: taxis 152 → 136, private hire 568 → 771; 6.47 per 1,000 residents; 28% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 152 | 136 | down 11% |
| Private hire vehicles | 568 | 771 | up 36% |
| Driver licences | 741 | 956 | up 29% |
| Operator licences | 37 | 54 | up 46% |
How does Ipswich compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Ipswich ranks 6th of 45 for vehicles per head (6.47 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 14th for operators (54, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Ipswich | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 6.47 | 2.48 | 6th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 54 | 40 | 14th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 14 | 5 | 5th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 28% | 21% | 18th of 44 |
What does the Ipswich market look like for an operator?
Ipswich's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 15% taxis, 85% private hire of 907 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 14 PHVs per operator on average (771 across 54 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (956 for 907).
- 84% dual-licensed drivers, 137 PHV-only, 20 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 Ipswich differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Ipswich's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Ipswich taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for Ipswich private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Fewer booking details required: Ipswich asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Ipswich's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Ipswich grant?
42 new, 13 renewed; 54 in force (37 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Ipswich?
54 at 1 April 2026, 37 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] Ipswich Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
