HATFIELD, England - Bank Machine Ltd., which is owned and operated by Houston-based Cardtronics LP, has joined HBOS, the Royal Bank Group and HSBC in pledging to install free-to-use ATMs in low-income areas defined by Link Interchange Network Ltd.
Ron Delnevo, Bank Machine's managing director, said he is happy to make up the shortfall resulting from certain High street banks not yet participating in this initiative.
"Approximately 600 areas requiring free-to-use ATMs have been identified, and so far the banks have only managed to reach 500," he said. "We are therefore delighted to bridge the gap by providing at least 100 cash machines for appropriate sites, matching the offers made by HBOS and HSBC."
Bank Machine said it has signed contracts for around 30 sites.
Delnevo said that is only the first step.
"Bank Machine has submitted proposals to Link that would allow residents in low-income areas to use any machine without any payment," he said. "The implementation of this proposal is at the heart of Bank Machine's priorities."
Bank Machine over the last few months has installed free-to-use ATMs in hospitals, providing free access to cash for military personnel throughout the United Kingdom.
"We have proven that an independent ATM operator can lead the way in the provision of ATM services in the U.K.," Delnevo said.
