The number of taxi drivers has stabilised in Wiltshire following the decline that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This decline followed a national trend as drivers moved to industries with more sociable and regular hours.

According to a report presented to councillors at the latest licensing committee meeting, this trend has now stabilised, and driver numbers have risen by 11% over the last 11 months.

Wiltshire Times: The graph shows the change in driver numbers since February 2020, the month prior to the pandemic.The graph shows the change in driver numbers since February 2020, the month prior to the pandemic. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

The report was discussed at the meeting on Monday, December 4, and indicated that 30 new licence applications and 114 renewals were processed during October 2023.

The total number of licensed hackney carriage drivers at the end of October was 697.

Although these numbers are rising, the report noted that they are not rising fast enough to meet the increased SEND demand.

According to the report, there is also a noticeable trend of drivers switching from hackney carriage to private hire, reflecting the lower footfall and business in town centres.

Since April 2019, the number of hackney carriage drivers has fallen by 182 and the number of private hire drivers has risen by 30.

Tom Ince, the principal compliance officer presenting the reports, said it must be ensured that improvements in Wiltshire’s taxi service remain “viable”.

He concluded that overall, the figures were “positive news” for Wiltshire.