Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Tonbridge and Malling?
495 vehicles in 2026 against 577 in 2024: taxis 181 → 165, private hire 396 → 330; 3.62 per 1,000 residents; 4% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 181 | 165 | down 9% |
| Private hire vehicles | 396 | 330 | down 17% |
| Driver licences | 619 | 548 | down 11% |
| Operator licences | 106 | 88 | down 17% |
How does Tonbridge and Malling compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Tonbridge and Malling ranks 20th of 64 for vehicles per head (3.62 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 14th for operators (88, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Tonbridge and Malling | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.62 | 2.23 | 20th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 88 | 51 | 14th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 4 | 30th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 4% | 14% | 52nd of 64 |
What does the Tonbridge and Malling market look like for an operator?
Tonbridge and Malling's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 33% taxis, 67% private hire of 495 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (330 across 88 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (548 for 495).
- 38% dual-licensed drivers, 299 PHV-only, 41 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 Tonbridge and Malling differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Tonbridge and Malling's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- DBS Update Service optional for Tonbridge and Malling drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- Tonbridge and Malling operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Tonbridge and Malling's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Tonbridge and Malling grant?
6 new, 8 renewed; 88 in force (106 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Tonbridge and Malling?
88 at 1 April 2026, 106 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] Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
