Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in North Somerset?
543 vehicles in 2026 against 470 in 2024: taxis 77 → 74, private hire 393 → 469; 2.42 per 1,000 residents; 5% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 77 | 74 | down 4% |
| Private hire vehicles | 393 | 469 | up 19% |
| Driver licences | 445 | 559 | up 26% |
| Operator licences | 72 | 84 | up 17% |
How does North Somerset compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, North Somerset ranks 13th of 26 for vehicles per head (2.42 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 9th for operators (84, median 58).[1]
| Measure | North Somerset | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.42 | 2.3 | 13th of 26 |
| Operator licences | 84 | 58 | 9th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 6 | 4 | 8th of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 5% | 7% | 15th of 25 |
What does the North Somerset market look like for an operator?
North Somerset's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 14% taxis, 86% private hire of 543 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 6 PHVs per operator on average (469 across 84 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (559 for 543).
- 21% dual-licensed drivers, 444 PHV-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 North Somerset differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in North Somerset's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Two tests for North Somerset taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Two tests for North Somerset private hire drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No disability awareness course for North Somerset private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of North Somerset operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by North Somerset's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does North Somerset grant?
15 new, 25 renewed; 84 in force (72 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in North Somerset?
84 at 1 April 2026, 72 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] North Somerset Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
