SCOTTISH councils have been urged to do more to save money after it emerged £20 million is spent every year on taxis for school pupils.
The call came after information published yesterday highlighted the growing cost of transporting pupils.
Councils have a legal obligation to provide transport for pupils with special needs and those who live a certain distance from school. That also includes pupils who have been expelled from one school and have to attend one further away.
The figures showed Glasgow City Council spent more than £10m over the past three years, while Aberdeen spent more than £7m.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "This is an incredible amount of money to be spent on taxis at a time when local authorities have to do more to save money.
"Understandably, some taxi journeys will be for children with special needs and others for children from foster homes, but that shouldn't stop councils from ensuring value for taxpayers' money."
Labour MSP Neil Findlay, added: "This does, on the face of it, appear to be a huge amount. Taxis are often needed to transport pupils with special needs safely to and from school.
"The Scottish Government should look seriously at how much it is costing."
A Government spokesman said: "The provision of travel arrangements are for education authorities to determine in light of local circumstances."
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