Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Surrey Heath?
213 vehicles in 2026 against 193 in 2024: taxis 82 → 76, private hire 111 → 137; 2.25 per 1,000 residents; 4% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 82 | 76 | down 7% |
| Private hire vehicles | 111 | 137 | up 23% |
| Driver licences | 208 | 238 | up 14% |
| Operator licences | 38 | 45 | up 18% |
How does Surrey Heath compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Surrey Heath ranks 32nd of 64 for vehicles per head (2.25 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 41st for operators (45, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Surrey Heath | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.25 | 2.23 | 32nd of 64 |
| Operator licences | 45 | 51 | 41st of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 3 | 4 | 44th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 4% | 14% | 53rd of 64 |
What does the Surrey Heath market look like for an operator?
Surrey Heath's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 36% taxis, 64% private hire of 213 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 3 PHVs per operator on average (137 across 45 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (238 for 213).
- 41% dual-licensed drivers, 141 PHV-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 Surrey Heath differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Surrey Heath's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- No English test for Surrey Heath drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for Surrey Heath private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Surrey Heath asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out time of pick-up and date booking is made.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Surrey Heath's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Surrey Heath grant?
9 new, 28 renewed, 1 revoked; 45 in force (38 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Surrey Heath?
45 at 1 April 2026, 38 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] Surrey Heath Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
