Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in South Holland?
208 vehicles in 2026 against 207 in 2024: taxis 34 → 19, private hire 173 → 189; 2.09 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 34 | 19 | down 44% |
| Private hire vehicles | 173 | 189 | up 9% |
| Driver licences | 238 | 264 | up 11% |
| Operator licences | 24 | 25 | up 4% |
How does South Holland compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, South Holland ranks 14th of 35 for vehicles per head (2.09 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 21st for operators (25, median 27).[1]
| Measure | South Holland | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.09 | 1.94 | 14th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 25 | 27 | 21st of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 8 | 4 | 10th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 10% | 4th of 33 |
What does the South Holland market look like for an operator?
South Holland's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 9% taxis, 91% private hire of 208 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 8 PHVs per operator on average (189 across 25 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (264 for 208): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 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 Holland differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in South Holland's DfT return. Vehicles: drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- South Holland taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for South Holland private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for South Holland private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for South Holland private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by South Holland's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does South Holland grant?
3 new, 2 renewed; 25 in force (24 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in South Holland?
25 at 1 April 2026, 24 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 Holland District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
