Whitehall mandarins spent more than £8 million on taxis and private car services last year, figures released yesterday showed.

Of the total, £2.5 million was spent on taxis and £5.5 million went on bills for the Government Car and Dispatch Agency, according to data from 19 government departments.

The biggest spender was the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which spent more than £1.2 million on cars for its UK staff.

The taxi firm used the most was Addison Lee and its affiliate Premier Dispatch, which received almost £835,000 in payments.

The TaxPayers’ Alliance, which obtained the figures, said its research showed that in November 2007 more than £6,600 was spent by four departments paying for taxis to wait. The information suggests that many officials are using cars for journeys that could be made using public transport, the organisation said.

Matthew Elliott, its chief executive, said: “Current spending on taxis and chauffeured cars is excessive. When ordinary businesses are trying to save money by getting employees to take the bus, it is only fair that public officials do the same.

“Some taxi rides on the taxpayers’ pound are unavoidable, but too much is being spent on the luxury of convenience while cheaper options are available.”

Times Recommends

• Phoebe Caldwell wins Times/Sternberg Award
• Raging against fake pop has its own pitfalls
• How a voice for everyone led to stalemate