Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Thurrock?
206 vehicles in 2026 against 223 in 2024: taxis 63 → 56, private hire 160 → 150; 1.14 per 1,000 residents; 20% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 63 | 56 | down 11% |
| Private hire vehicles | 160 | 150 | down 6% |
| Driver licences | 298 | 284 | down 5% |
| Operator licences | 62 | 54 | down 13% |
How does Thurrock compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Thurrock ranks 42nd of 45 for vehicles per head (1.14 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 13th for operators (54, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Thurrock | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.14 | 2.48 | 42nd of 45 |
| Operator licences | 54 | 40 | 13th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 3 | 5 | 31st of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 20% | 21% | 23rd of 44 |
What does the Thurrock market look like for an operator?
Thurrock's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 27% taxis, 73% private hire of 206 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 3 PHVs per operator on average (150 across 54 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (284 for 206): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 18% dual-licensed drivers, 196 PHV-only, 36 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 9 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Thurrock differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Thurrock's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No knowledge test for Thurrock private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Fewer booking details required: Thurrock asks operators to record 9 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out time of pick-up and date of pick-up and date booking is made.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Thurrock's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Thurrock grant?
8 new, 33 renewed; 54 in force (62 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Thurrock?
54 at 1 April 2026, 62 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] Thurrock Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
