Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Peterborough?
1,268 vehicles in 2026 against 1,299 in 2024: taxis 105 → 78, private hire 1,194 → 1,190; 5.67 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 105 | 78 | down 26% |
| Private hire vehicles | 1,194 | 1,190 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Driver licences | 1,729 | 1,951 | up 13% |
| Operator licences | 116 | 97 | down 16% |
How does Peterborough compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Peterborough ranks 7th of 45 for vehicles per head (5.67 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 5th for operators (97, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Peterborough | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 5.67 | 2.48 | 7th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 97 | 40 | 5th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 12 | 5 | 7th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 21% | 1st of 44 |
What does the Peterborough market look like for an operator?
Peterborough's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 6% taxis, 94% private hire of 1,268 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 12 PHVs per operator on average (1,190 across 97 licences).
- 1.5 drivers per vehicle (1,951 for 1,268): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 21% dual-licensed drivers, 1,547 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 Peterborough differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Peterborough's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Peterborough operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Peterborough's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Peterborough grant?
36 new, 24 renewed; 97 in force (116 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Peterborough?
97 at 1 April 2026, 116 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] Peterborough City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
