Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Somerset?
973 vehicles in 2026 against 927 in 2024: taxis 547 → 520, private hire 380 → 453; 1.65 per 1,000 residents; 30% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 547 | 520 | down 5% |
| Private hire vehicles | 380 | 453 | up 19% |
| Driver licences | 972 | 1,016 | up 5% |
| Operator licences | 111 | 179 | up 61% |
How does Somerset compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, Somerset ranks 19th of 26 for vehicles per head (1.65 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 4th for operators (179, median 58).[1]
| Measure | Somerset | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.65 | 2.3 | 19th of 26 |
| Operator licences | 179 | 58 | 4th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 3 | 4 | 17th of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 30% | 7% | 8th of 25 |
What does the Somerset market look like for an operator?
Somerset's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 53% taxis, 47% private hire of 973 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 3 PHVs per operator on average (453 across 179 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (1,016 for 973).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Somerset?
179 at 1 April 2026, 111 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] Somerset Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
