Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in South Hams?
129 vehicles in 2026 against 138 in 2024: taxis 110 → 95, private hire 28 → 34; 1.4 per 1,000 residents; 4% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 110 | 95 | down 14% |
| Private hire vehicles | 28 | 34 | up 21% |
| Driver licences | 140 | 128 | down 9% |
| Operator licences | 15 | 19 | up 27% |
How does South Hams compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, South Hams ranks 23rd of 26 for vehicles per head (1.4 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 24th for operators (19, median 58).[1]
| Measure | South Hams | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.4 | 2.3 | 23rd of 26 |
| Operator licences | 19 | 58 | 24th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 4 | 21st of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 4% | 7% | 17th of 25 |
What does the South Hams market look like for an operator?
South Hams's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 74% taxis, 26% private hire of 129 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (34 across 19 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (128 for 129).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in South Hams differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in South Hams's DfT return.[1]
- No good-character certificate from South Hams applicants who lived abroad; about 84% of councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for South Hams taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for South Hams private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by South Hams's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does South Hams grant?
10 new, 3 renewed; 19 in force (15 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in South Hams?
19 at 1 April 2026, 15 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 Hams District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
