Wiltshire Council says taxi driver levels unlikely to recover as part-time trend grows
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
Taxi driver numbers across Wiltshire are unlikely to return to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Wiltshire Council’s latest licensing update.
Since April 2020, the number of licensed drivers has dropped by 206, a fall of 20%. Despite signs of recovery in 2023, when numbers rose by 11%, and a modest 2% increase during 2024, the current figure still lags behind pre-pandemic totals.
As of 31 July 2025, there were 844 licensed drivers in the county. While the council continues to process a steady stream of new applications, the majority of new entrants are looking for part-time work only. Licensing officers say this pattern appears to reflect the wider economic situation, where individuals are turning to taxi driving as a secondary source of income to supplement full-time employment.
Council officers believe the shift is being driven by ongoing changes in local demand. Footfall on High Streets remains lower than before the pandemic, and the night-time economy has not recovered to previous levels. As a result, opportunities for full-time taxi work have declined.
The report from the council makes clear that a return to historic driver numbers is unlikely under current conditions. The same trend is also affecting vehicle licensing, with overall numbers still below those recorded at the start of the pandemic. Although Wiltshire passed the 800-vehicle mark in early 2023 and has remained above it since, it remains short of the 917 licensed vehicles seen before COVID-19.
The reduction in both driver and vehicle numbers has broader implications, particularly for public services that rely on the taxi trade. Wiltshire’s Passenger Transport Unit, which supports school transport, is one area expected to feel the impact.
As part-time driving becomes the new normal, questions remain over how the trade can adapt to meet demand and ensure sufficient coverage during key periods.
