Taxi and private hire vehicle statistics
Data and statistics about the number of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in England and Wales.
Please note, as announced in October 2024, we have made some adjustments to our regular publication cycle that affects this statistical series. The next release is now expected during 2026.
Latest taxi and private hire vehicle statistics
Taxi and private hire vehicle statistics provide information on the number of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in England and Wales, including the number designed to be accessible for disabled people. Statistics relating to the use of taxis are available from the National Travel Survey.
Taxi and private hire vehicle information on current and previous taxi and private hire vehicle statistics are available.
Taxi and private hire vehicle statistics: data tables
Data is from the department’s survey of licensing authorities in England and Wales, which takes place annually.
The department is currently working to make our tables accessible for our users. The data tables for these statistics are now accessible.
We would welcome any feedback on the accessibility of our tables, please email localtransport.statistics@dft.gov.uk.
About the taxi and private hire vehicles data and reports
National and regional level statistics published are accredited official statistics. Taxi statistics were assessed by the UK Statistics Authority and confirmed as accredited official statistics in February 2013.
Figures for individual licensing authorities are less robust and therefore are outside the scope of accredited official statistics.
Taxis (or ‘hackney carriages’) are available for immediate hire and can be hailed in the street (known as ‘plying for hire’). Taxis can also accept pre-bookings. Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) (sometimes known as ‘minicabs’) must be pre-booked and cannot use taxi ranks. It is illegal for PHVs to ply for hire.
These statistics are collected through a survey of all of the licensing authorities in England and Wales.
A Digital Data Collection Discovery Report is available, outlining potential improvements to the data collection process. This report explores opportunities to collect statistical data through digital solutions.
Updates to this page
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A link to a discovery report focusing on exploring ways the Department for Transport collects data from local authorities and other transport operators was added to the collection page.
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The latest taxis and private hire vehicles statistics report has been revised.
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The latest taxi and private hire vehicle statistics report for England published.
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Taxi and private hire vehicle statistics in England report for 2023 added.
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Latest taxis and private hire vehicle statistics report for 2022 added.
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Taxi and private hire vehicle statistics, England 2021 added to collection.
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Taxi and private hire vehicle statistics, England 2020 added to collection.
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Collection updated for 'Taxi and private hire vehicle statistics, England: 2019'.
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New release published.
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First published.