Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in New Forest?
604 vehicles in 2026 against 544 in 2024: taxis 108 → 101, private hire 436 → 503; 3.43 per 1,000 residents; 13% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 108 | 101 | down 6% |
| Private hire vehicles | 436 | 503 | up 15% |
| Driver licences | 630 | 712 | up 13% |
| Operator licences | 85 | 95 | up 12% |
How does New Forest compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, New Forest ranks 22nd of 64 for vehicles per head (3.43 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 13th for operators (95, median 51).[1]
| Measure | New Forest | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.43 | 2.23 | 22nd of 64 |
| Operator licences | 95 | 51 | 13th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 4 | 23rd of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 13% | 14% | 33rd of 64 |
What does the New Forest market look like for an operator?
New Forest's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 17% taxis, 83% private hire of 604 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (503 across 95 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (712 for 604).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 10 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in New Forest differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in New Forest's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- No disability awareness course for New Forest private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- New Forest operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of New Forest operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: New Forest asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker and name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by New Forest's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does New Forest grant?
11 new, 4 renewed; 95 in force (85 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in New Forest?
95 at 1 April 2026, 85 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] New Forest District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
