Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in South Cambridgeshire?
2,252 vehicles in 2026 against 1,503 in 2024: taxis 2 → 1, private hire 1,501 → 2,251; 13.05 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 2 | 1 | down 50% |
| Private hire vehicles | 1,501 | 2,251 | up 50% |
| Driver licences | 1,878 | 2,606 | up 39% |
| Operator licences | 70 | 152 | up 117% |
How does South Cambridgeshire compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, South Cambridgeshire ranks 3rd of 45 for vehicles per head (13.05 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 3rd for operators (152, median 40).[1]
| Measure | South Cambridgeshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 13.05 | 2.48 | 3rd of 45 |
| Operator licences | 152 | 40 | 3rd of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 15 | 5 | 4th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 21% | 5th of 44 |
What does the South Cambridgeshire market look like for an operator?
South Cambridgeshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 0% taxis, 100% private hire of 2,252 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 15 PHVs per operator on average (2,251 across 152 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (2,606 for 2,252).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 2,603 PHV-only, 3 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in South Cambridgeshire differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in South Cambridgeshire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis face an emission standard and private hire vehicles both an age limit and an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- CCTV required in South Cambridgeshire taxis and private hire vehicles; about 9 in 10 councils only allow it.
- Two tests for South Cambridgeshire taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Two tests for South Cambridgeshire private hire drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by South Cambridgeshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does South Cambridgeshire grant?
30 new, 49 renewed; 152 in force (70 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in South Cambridgeshire?
152 at 1 April 2026, 70 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] South Cambridgeshire District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
