Parents are losing their freedom, time and money in providing the 'Mum and Dad taxi service', according to new research by BSM (British School of Motoring).

Across the UK parents are spending over £2,000 every year, carting their children and teenagers to and from school and for other activities such as sports practices, meeting friends and going shopping or to the cinema. They are also driving 995 miles more every year, the equivalent of a road trip from London to Vienna, Austria.

This means that parents are spending an extra 66 hours in the car every year, the equivalent of an extra bank holiday weekend!

"As a parent myself it's so surprising how much time is taken up, especially when you add it all up," said Abu Shafi Managing Director of BSM. As well as the loss in time, these results are another example of the financial strain on parents, especially in the current economic climate when the average UK average household income per head is only about £14,500.

"Obviously the best solution is to make sure teenagers can gain their own driving freedom as soon as possible and do so with the best chance of success. At BSM we help learners but it would be nice to think we are giving Mum and Dad their freedom too."

The survey comes as BSM launches a new campaign to support learners enjoy more freedom.

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