Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Swale?
239 vehicles in 2026 against 207 in 2024: taxis 167 → 186, private hire 40 → 53; 1.51 per 1,000 residents; 19% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 167 | 186 | up 11% |
| Private hire vehicles | 40 | 53 | up 33% |
| Driver licences | 305 | 341 | up 12% |
| Operator licences | 32 | 35 | up 9% |
How does Swale compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Swale ranks 50th of 64 for vehicles per head (1.51 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 48th for operators (35, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Swale | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.51 | 2.23 | 50th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 35 | 51 | 48th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 4 | 54th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 19% | 14% | 30th of 64 |
What does the Swale market look like for an operator?
Swale's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 78% taxis, 22% private hire of 239 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (53 across 35 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (341 for 239): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 97% dual-licensed drivers, 10 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 Swale differ from other councils?
1 departure from the usual rules in Swale's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Swale's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Swale grant?
5 new, 2 renewed; 35 in force (32 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Swale?
35 at 1 April 2026, 32 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] Swale Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
