Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Lincoln?
443 vehicles in 2026 against 367 in 2024: taxis 31 → 31, private hire 336 → 412; 4.21 per 1,000 residents; 97% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 31 | 31 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 336 | 412 | up 23% |
| Driver licences | 467 | 524 | up 12% |
| Operator licences | 18 | 21 | up 17% |
How does Lincoln compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, Lincoln ranks 9th of 35 for vehicles per head (4.21 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 25th for operators (21, median 27).[1]
| Measure | Lincoln | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.21 | 1.94 | 9th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 21 | 27 | 25th of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 20 | 4 | 2nd of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 97% | 10% | 5th of 33 |
What does the Lincoln market look like for an operator?
Lincoln's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 7% taxis, 93% private hire of 443 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 20 PHVs per operator on average (412 across 21 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (524 for 443).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 491 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 Lincoln differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in Lincoln's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Partial taxi cap: Lincoln limits licences for some vehicle types; about 3 in 4 councils have no cap.
- DBS Update Service optional for Lincoln drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No disability awareness course for Lincoln private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Lincoln asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out date booking is made.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by Lincoln's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Lincoln grant?
6 new, 1 renewed; 21 in force (18 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Lincoln?
21 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] City of Lincoln Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
