Taxi dependency at the BBC - latest

The BBC's chief operating officer Caroline Thomson claimed £3,389.69 on taxis during a three-month period for the first quarter of this year.

BBC controller of vision Jana Bennett claimed £2,736.02 on taxis during the claim period.

And the BBC's director of future media and technology Erik Huggers made taxi claims for £2,940.98.

Between them they spent an average of more than £100 a day on cabs during the first three months of the year.

A BBC spokesman said: "Taxis are used when they are the most efficient option and allow executives the opportunity to work en route."

BBC director-general Mark Thompson [who is paid an annual salary of almost £1 million and who poses as a keen cyclist. Ed] filed a claim of £1,696, which he said was for the "congestion charge for the year".

Mark Linsey, controller, entertainment commissioning, claimed for minicab journeys which included separate sums of £228.84, £150.19, £115.90, £110.37, and £114.37.

BBC Audio & Music director Tim Davie made a £22 taxi journey due to a "time constraint" and a £5 one because he was "carrying bags".