Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in South Staffordshire?
115 vehicles in 2026 against 202 in 2024: taxis 1 → 1, private hire 201 → 114; 1.01 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 1 | 1 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 201 | 114 | down 43% |
| Driver licences | 255 | 191 | down 25% |
| Operator licences | 30 | 27 | down 10% |
How does South Staffordshire compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, South Staffordshire ranks 23rd of 30 for vehicles per head (1.01 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 19th for operators (27, median 46).[1]
| Measure | South Staffordshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.01 | 1.96 | 23rd of 30 |
| Operator licences | 27 | 46 | 19th of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 5 | 18th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 79% | 3rd of 30 |
What does the South Staffordshire market look like for an operator?
South Staffordshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 1% taxis, 99% private hire of 115 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (114 across 27 licences).
- 1.7 drivers per vehicle (191 for 115): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 1% dual-licensed drivers, 190 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 Staffordshire differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in South Staffordshire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No knowledge test for South Staffordshire private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by South Staffordshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does South Staffordshire grant?
2 new, 5 renewed; 27 in force (30 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in South Staffordshire?
27 at 1 April 2026, 30 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 Staffordshire Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
