Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Preston?
500 vehicles in 2026 against 728 in 2024: taxis 187 → 156, private hire 541 → 344; 3.07 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 187 | 156 | down 17% |
| Private hire vehicles | 541 | 344 | down 36% |
| Driver licences | 953 | 737 | down 23% |
| Operator licences | 45 | 42 | down 7% |
How does Preston compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Preston ranks 22nd of 35 for vehicles per head (3.07 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 19th for operators (42, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Preston | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.07 | 3.73 | 22nd of 35 |
| Operator licences | 42 | 45 | 19th of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 8 | 9 | 22nd of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 32% | 4th of 35 |
What does the Preston market look like for an operator?
Preston's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 31% taxis, 69% private hire of 500 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 8 PHVs per operator on average (344 across 42 licences).
- 1.5 drivers per vehicle (737 for 500): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 533 PHV-only, 155 taxi-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 Preston differ from other councils?
6 departures from the usual rules in Preston's DfT return. Vehicles: drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Taxi numbers capped: Preston limits hackney carriage licences (156 in April 2026); about 1 in 4 councils do.
- No good-character certificate from Preston applicants who lived abroad; about 84% of councils require one.
- Preston operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for Preston taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Preston private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by Preston's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Preston grant?
6 new, 5 renewed; 42 in force (45 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Preston?
42 at 1 April 2026, 45 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] Preston City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
