Sheffield's BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker hits back over taxi expenses article

The 44-year-old defended himself after an article in the Daily Mail headlined ‘That’s not fare! Has BBC’s star Dan been caught out in taxi row?’.

The story states that he is regularly picked up from his home by taxi at 3.45am, with the trip funded by his employer, as permitted under BBC policy.

Tragedy as two people are killed in horror crash on M1 near Sheffield

It claimed that documents showed he is also often picked up from Media City in Salford at 9.30am for the return trip, though the BBC said that presenters meet their own taxi costs if used outside the permitted hours, and there was no suggestion he had breached the broadcaster’s guidelines in any way.

Referring on Twitter to the headline, Mr Walker said: “I know this one... No!

“The BBC repeatedly told The Mail it wasn’t true. I personally pay for any taxis outside the ones permitted to get to work at 3.45am and I drive myself one day a week – as I will on Tuesday.

“Don’t listen to guff. Enjoy your eggs. Have a lovely Sunday.”

Sheffield cafe set up in first lockdown goes from ‘strength to strength’ thanks to vibrant independent scene in city suburb

When someone questioned why the BBC was funding taxis at all, Mr Walker explained: “The BBC has a ‘safety at work’ protocol that covers claims for transport for anyone before 6am or after 10:45pm.”

Last Friday, Mr Walker described how he passed on people’s birthday wishes to Endcliffe park legend Tony Foulds as he turned 85, and said the Mi Amigo memorial which Tony lovingly maintains was looking ‘amazing’ again after being vandalised.