Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Shropshire?
836 vehicles in 2026 against 766 in 2024: taxis 61 → 61, private hire 705 → 775; 2.51 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 61 | 61 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 705 | 775 | up 10% |
| Driver licences | 996 | 1,021 | up 3% |
| Operator licences | 123 | 126 | up 2% |
How does Shropshire compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, Shropshire ranks 13th of 30 for vehicles per head (2.51 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 4th for operators (126, median 46).[1]
| Measure | Shropshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.51 | 1.96 | 13th of 30 |
| Operator licences | 126 | 46 | 4th of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 6 | 5 | 9th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 79% | 2nd of 30 |
What does the Shropshire market look like for an operator?
Shropshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 7% taxis, 93% private hire of 836 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 6 PHVs per operator on average (775 across 126 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (1,021 for 836).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Shropshire differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Shropshire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- Fewer booking details required: Shropshire asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out driver licence number.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by Shropshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Shropshire grant?
20 new, 16 renewed; 126 in force (123 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Shropshire?
126 at 1 April 2026, 123 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] Shropshire Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
