Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Stockton-on-Tees?
832 vehicles in 2026 against 644 in 2024: taxis 338 → 223, private hire 306 → 609; 4.02 per 1,000 residents; 6% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 338 | 223 | down 34% |
| Private hire vehicles | 306 | 609 | up 99% |
| Driver licences | 722 | 907 | up 26% |
| Operator licences | 24 | 49 | up 104% |
How does Stockton-on-Tees compare with other councils in the North East?
Among councils in the North East, Stockton-on-Tees ranks 3rd of 12 for vehicles per head (4.02 per 1,000, median 2.65). It ranks 4th for operators (49, median 30).[1]
| Measure | Stockton-on-Tees | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.02 | 2.65 | 3rd of 12 |
| Operator licences | 49 | 30 | 4th of 12 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 12 | 16 | 8th of 12 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 6% | 13% | 9th of 12 |
What does the Stockton-on-Tees market look like for an operator?
Stockton-on-Tees's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 27% taxis, 73% private hire of 832 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 12 PHVs per operator on average (609 across 49 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (907 for 832).
- 55% dual-licensed drivers, 396 PHV-only, 14 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 10 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Stockton-on-Tees differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Stockton-on-Tees's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- No knowledge test for Stockton-on-Tees private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Fewer booking details required: Stockton-on-Tees asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker and name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Stockton-on-Tees's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Stockton-on-Tees grant?
20 new, 14 renewed; 49 in force (24 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Stockton-on-Tees?
49 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] Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
