Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Redcar and Cleveland?
285 vehicles in 2026 against 313 in 2024: taxis 85 → 50, private hire 228 → 235; 2.05 per 1,000 residents; 2% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 85 | 50 | down 41% |
| Private hire vehicles | 228 | 235 | up 3% |
| Driver licences | 325 | 303 | down 7% |
| Operator licences | 28 | 35 | up 25% |
How does Redcar and Cleveland compare with other councils in the North East?
Among councils in the North East, Redcar and Cleveland ranks 11th of 12 for vehicles per head (2.05 per 1,000, median 2.65). It ranks 6th for operators (35, median 30).[1]
| Measure | Redcar and Cleveland | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.05 | 2.65 | 11th of 12 |
| Operator licences | 35 | 30 | 6th of 12 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 7 | 16 | 9th of 12 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 2% | 13% | 12th of 12 |
What does the Redcar and Cleveland market look like for an operator?
Redcar and Cleveland's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 18% taxis, 82% private hire of 285 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 7 PHVs per operator on average (235 across 35 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (303 for 285).
- 46% dual-licensed drivers, 161 PHV-only, 2 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 9 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Redcar and Cleveland differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Redcar and Cleveland's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No English test for Redcar and Cleveland drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for Redcar and Cleveland private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Redcar and Cleveland asks operators to record 9 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out passenger name and name of booker and name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Redcar and Cleveland's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Redcar and Cleveland grant?
8 new, 21 renewed; 35 in force (28 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Redcar and Cleveland?
35 at 1 April 2026, 28 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] Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
