Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Redditch?
403 vehicles in 2026 against 426 in 2024: taxis 178 → 175, private hire 248 → 228; 4.59 per 1,000 residents; 3% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 178 | 175 | down 2% |
| Private hire vehicles | 248 | 228 | down 8% |
| Driver licences | 518 | 476 | down 8% |
| Operator licences | 25 | 36 | up 44% |
How does Redditch compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, Redditch ranks 5th of 30 for vehicles per head (4.59 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 17th for operators (36, median 46).[1]
| Measure | Redditch | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.59 | 1.96 | 5th of 30 |
| Operator licences | 36 | 46 | 17th of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 6 | 5 | 10th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 3% | 79% | 29th of 30 |
What does the Redditch market look like for an operator?
Redditch's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 43% taxis, 57% private hire of 403 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 6 PHVs per operator on average (228 across 36 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (476 for 403).
- 55% dual-licensed drivers, 216 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 Redditch differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Redditch's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- Two tests for Redditch taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No knowledge test for Redditch private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Redditch's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Redditch grant?
8 new, 3 renewed; 36 in force (25 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Redditch?
36 at 1 April 2026, 25 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] Redditch Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
