Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Rotherham?
1,318 vehicles in 2026 against 1,042 in 2024: taxis 53 → 55, private hire 989 → 1,263; 4.77 per 1,000 residents; 11% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 53 | 55 | up 4% |
| Private hire vehicles | 989 | 1,263 | up 28% |
| Driver licences | 1,194 | 1,440 | up 21% |
| Operator licences | 78 | 97 | up 24% |
How does Rotherham compare with other councils in Yorkshire and the Humber?
Among councils in Yorkshire and the Humber, Rotherham ranks 6th of 15 for vehicles per head (4.77 per 1,000, median 3.7). It ranks 6th for operators (97, median 86).[1]
| Measure | Rotherham | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.77 | 3.7 | 6th of 15 |
| Operator licences | 97 | 86 | 6th of 15 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 13 | 10 | 6th of 15 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 11% | 25% | 12th of 15 |
What does the Rotherham market look like for an operator?
Rotherham's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 4% taxis, 96% private hire of 1,318 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 13 PHVs per operator on average (1,263 across 97 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (1,440 for 1,318).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 9 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Rotherham differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Rotherham'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 Rotherham taxis and private hire vehicles; about 9 in 10 councils only allow it.
- No convictions policy required of Rotherham operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Rotherham asks operators to record 9 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of driver and vehicle registration number and name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by Rotherham's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Rotherham grant?
19 new, 78 renewed; 97 in force (78 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Rotherham?
97 at 1 April 2026, 78 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] Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
