Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Westmorland and Furness?
711 vehicles in 2026 against 620 in 2024: taxis 447 → 463, private hire 173 → 248; 3.09 per 1,000 residents; 5% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 447 | 463 | up 4% |
| Private hire vehicles | 173 | 248 | up 43% |
| Driver licences | 653 | 674 | up 3% |
| Operator licences | 68 | 39 | down 43% |
How does Westmorland and Furness compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Westmorland and Furness ranks 20th of 35 for vehicles per head (3.09 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 20th for operators (39, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Westmorland and Furness | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.09 | 3.73 | 20th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 39 | 45 | 20th of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 6 | 9 | 27th of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 5% | 32% | 33rd of 35 |
What does the Westmorland and Furness market look like for an operator?
Westmorland and Furness's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 65% taxis, 35% private hire of 711 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 6 PHVs per operator on average (248 across 39 licences).
- 0.9 drivers per vehicle (674 for 711).
- 30% dual-licensed drivers, 195 PHV-only, 207 taxi-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Westmorland and Furness?
39 at 1 April 2026, 68 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] Westmorland and Furness Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
