Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in South Gloucestershire?
3,531 vehicles in 2026 against 3,352 in 2024: taxis 65 → 44, private hire 3,287 → 3,487; 11.53 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 65 | 44 | down 32% |
| Private hire vehicles | 3,287 | 3,487 | up 6% |
| Driver licences | 3,511 | 3,861 | up 10% |
| Operator licences | 275 | 351 | up 28% |
How does South Gloucestershire compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, South Gloucestershire ranks 1st of 26 for vehicles per head (11.53 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 1st for operators (351, median 58).[1]
| Measure | South Gloucestershire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 11.53 | 2.3 | 1st of 26 |
| Operator licences | 351 | 58 | 1st of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 10 | 4 | 4th of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 7% | 2nd of 25 |
What does the South Gloucestershire market look like for an operator?
South Gloucestershire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 1% taxis, 99% private hire of 3,531 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 10 PHVs per operator on average (3,487 across 351 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (3,861 for 3,531).
- 6% dual-licensed drivers, 3,632 PHV-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 Gloucestershire differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in South Gloucestershire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- No knowledge test for South Gloucestershire private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- South Gloucestershire operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of South Gloucestershire operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by South Gloucestershire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does South Gloucestershire grant?
77 new, 3 renewed; 351 in force (275 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in South Gloucestershire?
351 at 1 April 2026, 275 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 Gloucestershire Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
