Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Melton?
47 vehicles in 2026 against 54 in 2024: taxis 36 → 28, private hire 18 → 19; 0.87 per 1,000 residents; 11% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 36 | 28 | down 22% |
| Private hire vehicles | 18 | 19 | up 6% |
| Driver licences | 50 | 44 | down 12% |
| Operator licences | 7 | 5 | down 29% |
How does Melton compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, Melton ranks 32nd of 35 for vehicles per head (0.87 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 33rd for operators (5, median 27).[1]
| Measure | Melton | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 0.87 | 1.94 | 32nd of 35 |
| Operator licences | 5 | 27 | 33rd of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 4 | 18th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 11% | 10% | 16th of 33 |
What does the Melton market look like for an operator?
Melton's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 60% taxis, 40% private hire of 47 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (19 across 5 licences).
- 0.9 drivers per vehicle (44 for 47).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Melton differ from other councils?
1 departure from the usual rules in Melton'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]
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Melton's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Melton grant?
0 new, 0 renewed; 5 in force (7 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Melton?
From Melton Borough Council's own fee page, read 08/11/2026. Fees are reviewed each year, usually from April, so check the page before you apply.[3]
| Licence or charge | Fee |
|---|---|
| Hackney carriage / private hire driver licence, 3 years: new / renewal | £362 / £324 |
| Hackney carriage / private hire vehicle licence, 1 year: new / renewal | £118 / £107 |
| Private hire operator licence, 5 years: new / renewal | £960 / £830 |
Melton Borough Council: Taxi licensing, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Melton driver licence?
Hackney carriage / private hire driver licence, 3 years: new / renewal: £362 / £324, according to Melton Borough Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Melton?
5 at 1 April 2026, 7 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] Melton Borough Council: Taxi licensing (read 8 Nov 2026)
