Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Middlesbrough?
1,504 vehicles in 2026 against 1,085 in 2024: taxis 233 → 220, private hire 852 → 1,284; 9.63 per 1,000 residents; 14% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 233 | 220 | down 6% |
| Private hire vehicles | 852 | 1,284 | up 51% |
| Driver licences | 1,329 | 1,544 | up 16% |
| Operator licences | 14 | 16 | up 14% |
How does Middlesbrough compare with other councils in the North East?
Among councils in the North East, Middlesbrough ranks 2nd of 12 for vehicles per head (9.63 per 1,000, median 2.65). It ranks 10th for operators (16, median 30).[1]
| Measure | Middlesbrough | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 9.63 | 2.65 | 2nd of 12 |
| Operator licences | 16 | 30 | 10th of 12 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 80 | 16 | 1st of 12 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 14% | 13% | 5th of 12 |
What does the Middlesbrough market look like for an operator?
Middlesbrough's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 15% taxis, 85% private hire of 1,504 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 80 PHVs per operator on average (1,284 across 16 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (1,544 for 1,504).
- 25% dual-licensed drivers, 1,075 PHV-only, 77 taxi-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 Middlesbrough differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Middlesbrough's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Partial taxi cap: Middlesbrough limits licences for some vehicle types; about 3 in 4 councils have no cap.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Middlesbrough's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Middlesbrough grant?
6 new, 3 renewed; 16 in force (14 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Middlesbrough?
16 at 1 April 2026, 14 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] Middlesbrough Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
