Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Rochford?
289 vehicles in 2026 against 281 in 2024: taxis 169 → 178, private hire 112 → 111; 3.22 per 1,000 residents; 9% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 169 | 178 | up 5% |
| Private hire vehicles | 112 | 111 | down 1% |
| Driver licences | 352 | 297 | down 16% |
| Operator licences | 44 | 47 | up 7% |
How does Rochford compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Rochford ranks 14th of 45 for vehicles per head (3.22 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 18th for operators (47, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Rochford | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.22 | 2.48 | 14th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 47 | 40 | 18th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 5 | 41st of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 9% | 21% | 26th of 44 |
What does the Rochford market look like for an operator?
Rochford's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 62% taxis, 38% private hire of 289 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (111 across 47 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (297 for 289).
- 85% dual-licensed drivers, 45 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 Rochford differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Rochford's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- No knowledge test for Rochford private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No good-character certificate from Rochford applicants who lived abroad; about 84% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Rochford's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Rochford grant?
9 new, 18 renewed; 47 in force (44 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Rochford?
47 at 1 April 2026, 44 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] Rochford District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
