Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in South Oxfordshire?
557 vehicles in 2026 against 637 in 2024: taxis 436 → 362, private hire 201 → 195; 3.56 per 1,000 residents; 2% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 436 | 362 | down 17% |
| Private hire vehicles | 201 | 195 | down 3% |
| Driver licences | 835 | 764 | down 9% |
| Operator licences | 46 | 45 | down 2% |
How does South Oxfordshire compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, South Oxfordshire ranks 21st of 64 for vehicles per head (3.56 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 40th for operators (45, median 51).[1]
| Measure | South Oxfordshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.56 | 2.23 | 21st of 64 |
| Operator licences | 45 | 51 | 40th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 4 | 32nd of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 2% | 14% | 56th of 64 |
What does the South Oxfordshire market look like for an operator?
South Oxfordshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 65% taxis, 35% private hire of 557 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (195 across 45 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (764 for 557): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in South Oxfordshire differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in South Oxfordshire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Fewer booking details required: South Oxfordshire asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by South Oxfordshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does South Oxfordshire grant?
5 new, 5 renewed; 45 in force (46 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in South Oxfordshire?
45 at 1 April 2026, 46 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 Oxfordshire District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
