BBC Wales 'aims to minimise cost of cabs'

BBC Wales says every effort is made to minimise transport costs, with about half spent on contributors

BBC Wales has spent almost £600,000 on taxis in the 18 months since April 2009, it has emerged.

It was reported by the Wales on Sunday newspaper, which made a Freedom of Information request.

A spokesperson for BBC Wales said more than half of that total was spent on taxis for contributors.

BBC Wales said transport costs were an inevitable consequence of its business activities but every effort was made to minimise them.

The newspaper reported that the total bill amounted to £595,551 since April 2009.

BBC Wales said: "In 2009 to 2010 BBC Wales produced more than 1,500 hours of television programming and nearly 14,000 hours of radio with a total turnover of £150m.

"Transport costs are an inevitable consequence of these business activities, with around half of this spend incurred to transport guests, artists and contributors.

"However, every effort is made to minimise the level of such costs, including use of a centralised booking system which enables us to monitor taxi use and negotiated better deals with suppliers."