Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Neath Port Talbot?
426 vehicles in 2026 against 271 in 2024: taxis 201 → 179, private hire 70 → 247; 2.97 per 1,000 residents; 11% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 201 | 179 | down 11% |
| Private hire vehicles | 70 | 247 | up 253% |
| Driver licences | 278 | 503 | up 81% |
| Operator licences | 28 | 45 | up 61% |
How does Neath Port Talbot compare with other councils in Wales?
Among councils in Wales, Neath Port Talbot ranks 8th of 22 for vehicles per head (2.97 per 1,000, median 2.78). It ranks 8th for operators (45, median 32).[1]
| Measure | Neath Port Talbot | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.97 | 2.78 | 8th of 22 |
| Operator licences | 45 | 32 | 8th of 22 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 5 | 9th of 22 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 11% | 8% | 9th of 22 |
What does the Neath Port Talbot market look like for an operator?
Neath Port Talbot's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 42% taxis, 58% private hire of 426 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (247 across 45 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (503 for 426).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 6 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Neath Port Talbot differ from other councils?
8 departures from the usual rules in Neath Port Talbot's DfT return.[1]
- DBS Update Service optional for Neath Port Talbot drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No good-character certificate from Neath Port Talbot applicants who lived abroad; about 84% of councils require one.
- No disability awareness course for Neath Port Talbot private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Neath Port Talbot operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Neath Port Talbot operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for Neath Port Talbot taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Neath Port Talbot private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Neath Port Talbot's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Neath Port Talbot grant?
13 new, 6 renewed; 45 in force (28 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Neath Port Talbot?
45 at 1 April 2026, 28 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] Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
