Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Salford?
909 vehicles in 2026 against 993 in 2024: taxis 75 → 64, private hire 918 → 845; 3.09 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 75 | 64 | down 15% |
| Private hire vehicles | 918 | 845 | down 8% |
| Driver licences | 1,213 | 1,160 | down 4% |
| Operator licences | 65 | 78 | up 20% |
How does Salford compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Salford ranks 21st of 35 for vehicles per head (3.09 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 13th for operators (78, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Salford | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.09 | 3.73 | 21st of 35 |
| Operator licences | 78 | 45 | 13th of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 11 | 9 | 16th of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 32% | 9th of 35 |
What does the Salford market look like for an operator?
Salford's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 7% taxis, 93% private hire of 909 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 11 PHVs per operator on average (845 across 78 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (1,160 for 909): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 1,067 PHV-only, 70 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 Salford differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Salford'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]
- No safeguarding course for Salford private hire drivers; almost all councils require one.
- No disability awareness course for Salford private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Salford asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Salford's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Salford grant?
22 new, 43 renewed; 78 in force (65 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Salford?
78 at 1 April 2026, 65 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] Salford City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
