Some 10 million cars are on Britain’s rush-hour roads with no passengers, resulting in over 38 million empty car seats, research from Halifax Car Insurance has found.

And Halifax said that as average annual car journeys into work cost £1,017, sharing with a friend, neighbour or work colleague could potentially halve this while simultaneously helping the environment and reducing congestion.

Halifax said commuters should think about this cost on National Lift Share day on 14 June, and think about car sharing.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk & Underwriting at Halifax Car Insurance, said: “More and more people are driving to work every day and with an increasing number of vehicles on the roads causing jams, as well as increasing petrol and parking costs, it can be a stressful journey. Passengers in the car not only improve your environmental credentials, they can also act as an extra pair of eyes for you, especially in the morning rush hour when traffic is at its heaviest.

“Insurance wise, you can carry passengers in return for a mileage payment as long as there is no element of profit.”