Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Rossendale?
214 vehicles in 2026 against 177 in 2024: taxis 121 → 151, private hire 56 → 63; 2.93 per 1,000 residents; 1% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 121 | 151 | up 25% |
| Private hire vehicles | 56 | 63 | up 13% |
| Driver licences | 232 | 203 | down 12% |
| Operator licences | 14 | 8 | down 43% |
How does Rossendale compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Rossendale ranks 24th of 35 for vehicles per head (2.93 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 35th for operators (8, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Rossendale | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.93 | 3.73 | 24th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 8 | 45 | 35th of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 8 | 9 | 23rd of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 1% | 32% | 34th of 35 |
What does the Rossendale market look like for an operator?
Rossendale's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 71% taxis, 29% private hire of 214 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 8 PHVs per operator on average (63 across 8 licences).
- 0.9 drivers per vehicle (203 for 214).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 83 PHV-only, 120 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Rossendale differ from other councils?
6 departures from the usual rules in Rossendale'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]
- CCTV required in Rossendale taxis and private hire vehicles; about 9 in 10 councils only allow it.
- No English test for Rossendale drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Rossendale operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Rossendale operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Rossendale asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out passenger name.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Rossendale's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Rossendale grant?
2 new, 1 renewed; 8 in force (14 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Rossendale?
8 at 1 April 2026, 14 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] Rossendale Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
