Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Rutland?
252 vehicles in 2026 against 290 in 2024: taxis 32 → 25, private hire 258 → 227; 6.08 per 1,000 residents; 0% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 32 | 25 | down 22% |
| Private hire vehicles | 258 | 227 | down 12% |
| Driver licences | 435 | 503 | up 16% |
| Operator licences | 24 | 27 | up 13% |
How does Rutland compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, Rutland ranks 5th of 35 for vehicles per head (6.08 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 15th for operators (27, median 27).[1]
| Measure | Rutland | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 6.08 | 1.94 | 5th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 27 | 27 | 15th of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 8 | 4 | 9th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 0% | 10% | 28th of 33 |
What does the Rutland market look like for an operator?
Rutland's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 10% taxis, 90% private hire of 252 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 8 PHVs per operator on average (227 across 27 licences).
- 2 drivers per vehicle (503 for 252): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 12% dual-licensed drivers, 445 PHV-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Rutland differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Rutland's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Rutland operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by Rutland's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Rutland grant?
0 new, 0 renewed; 27 in force (24 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Rutland?
27 at 1 April 2026, 24 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] Rutland County Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
