Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Newcastle-under-Lyme?
410 vehicles in 2026 against 512 in 2024: taxis 127 → 95, private hire 385 → 315; 3.21 per 1,000 residents; 8% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 127 | 95 | down 25% |
| Private hire vehicles | 385 | 315 | down 18% |
| Driver licences | 546 | 444 | down 19% |
| Operator licences | 63 | 59 | down 6% |
How does Newcastle-under-Lyme compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme ranks 9th of 30 for vehicles per head (3.21 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 9th for operators (59, median 46).[1]
| Measure | Newcastle-under-Lyme | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.21 | 1.96 | 9th of 30 |
| Operator licences | 59 | 46 | 9th of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 5 | 14th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 8% | 79% | 23rd of 30 |
What does the Newcastle-under-Lyme market look like for an operator?
Newcastle-under-Lyme's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 23% taxis, 77% private hire of 410 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (315 across 59 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (444 for 410).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Newcastle-under-Lyme differ from other councils?
1 departure from the usual rules in Newcastle-under-Lyme's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Newcastle-under-Lyme's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Newcastle-under-Lyme grant?
4 new, 1 renewed, 1 revoked; 59 in force (63 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Newcastle-under-Lyme?
59 at 1 April 2026, 63 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] Newcastle-under-Lyme District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
