Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Stockport?
1,209 vehicles in 2026 against 1,059 in 2024: taxis 135 → 85, private hire 924 → 1,124; 3.98 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 135 | 85 | down 37% |
| Private hire vehicles | 924 | 1,124 | up 22% |
| Driver licences | 1,107 | 1,561 | up 41% |
| Operator licences | 40 | 55 | up 38% |
How does Stockport compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Stockport ranks 15th of 35 for vehicles per head (3.98 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 15th for operators (55, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Stockport | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.98 | 3.73 | 15th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 55 | 45 | 15th of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 20 | 9 | 9th of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 32% | 10th of 35 |
What does the Stockport market look like for an operator?
Stockport's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 7% taxis, 93% private hire of 1,209 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 20 PHVs per operator on average (1,124 across 55 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (1,561 for 1,209): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 1,421 PHV-only, 97 taxi-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 Stockport differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Stockport's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Taxi numbers capped: Stockport limits hackney carriage licences (85 in April 2026); about 1 in 4 councils do.
- Two tests for Stockport taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Stockport's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Stockport grant?
15 new, 26 renewed; 55 in force (40 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Stockport?
55 at 1 April 2026, 40 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] Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
