Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Lichfield?
110 vehicles in 2026 against 124 in 2024: taxis 99 → 88, private hire 25 → 22; 0.98 per 1,000 residents; 1% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 99 | 88 | down 11% |
| Private hire vehicles | 25 | 22 | down 12% |
| Driver licences | 145 | 126 | down 13% |
| Operator licences | 18 | 16 | down 11% |
How does Lichfield compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, Lichfield ranks 26th of 30 for vehicles per head (0.98 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 25th for operators (16, median 46).[1]
| Measure | Lichfield | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 0.98 | 1.96 | 26th of 30 |
| Operator licences | 16 | 46 | 25th of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 1 | 5 | 29th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 1% | 79% | 30th of 30 |
What does the Lichfield market look like for an operator?
Lichfield's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 80% taxis, 20% private hire of 110 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 1 PHV per operator on average (22 across 16 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (126 for 110).
- 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 Lichfield differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Lichfield's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- Two tests for Lichfield taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Two tests for Lichfield private hire drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Lichfield operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Lichfield's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Lichfield grant?
2 new, 1 renewed; 16 in force (18 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Lichfield?
16 at 1 April 2026, 18 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] Lichfield District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
