Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in West Lancashire?
356 vehicles in 2026 against 401 in 2024: taxis 24 → 19, private hire 377 → 337; 2.92 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 24 | 19 | down 21% |
| Private hire vehicles | 377 | 337 | down 11% |
| Driver licences | 396 | 315 | down 20% |
| Operator licences | 34 | 35 | up 3% |
How does West Lancashire compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, West Lancashire ranks 25th of 35 for vehicles per head (2.92 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 24th for operators (35, median 45).[1]
| Measure | West Lancashire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.92 | 3.73 | 25th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 35 | 45 | 24th of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 10 | 9 | 17th of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 32% | 5th of 35 |
What does the West Lancashire market look like for an operator?
West Lancashire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 5% taxis, 95% private hire of 356 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 10 PHVs per operator on average (337 across 35 licences).
- 0.9 drivers per vehicle (315 for 356).
- 6% dual-licensed drivers, 287 PHV-only, 9 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 West Lancashire differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in West Lancashire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis face both an age limit and an emission standard and private hire vehicles an age limit.[1]
- No disability awareness course for West Lancashire private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: West Lancashire asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out time of pick-up and date of pick-up.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by West Lancashire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does West Lancashire grant?
3 new, 8 renewed; 35 in force (34 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in West Lancashire?
35 at 1 April 2026, 34 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] West Lancashire Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
