The average commuter will travel two-and-a-half times around the globe during their working lives, research suggests.

The RAC Foundation says 25 million people in the UK commute to and from a fixed place of work and 72% travel by car.

Its research found that 19% of all distance travelled is for commuting purposes, the average daily commute is 8.7 miles, a 6% increase since 1995/97, and that the average commuter makes 161 commuting trips and travels 1,391 miles over a year.

Elizabeth Dainton, research development manager at the RAC Foundation, said: “Many people aspire to travel around the world, but few realise that they already travel two-and-a-half times round the globe during the course of their working life.

“Adopting smarter working practices can make a big difference to the distance and time committed to the commute.”

The research was produced as part of the Work Wise Week, which ran until Tuesday and asked individuals and firms to consider how and when they travel, including walking or cycling in a bid to beat congestion.