News

MP contends UK's ATMs do not adequately warn users of charges

October 25, 2004

Independent.co.uk: James Plaskitt, the Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington and a member of the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, plans to target a Travelex ATM in London's Leicester Square as an example of a machine that does not adequately warn consumers of usage fees.

Plaskitt will make the allegation when he opens what will be the first debate in the House of Commons on cash machines that charge the public.

In 2000 Britian's main banks agreed not to levy fees for withdrawals from ATMs. Since then private operators have installed most of the new ATMs, which typically charge £1.50, in the country.

The machines are supposed to have clear notices stating that there will be a charge. However, Plaskitt is accusing some operators of flouting voluntary codes on ATM signage and will cite as an example the Travelex ATM. Plaskitt is calling on the Department of Trade and Industry to enforce proper transparency, including the use of clear external signs.

A spokesman for Travelex said: "Every Travelex ATM gives customers the option of proceeding with the transaction after informing them of the charge on screen. The Leicester Square machine has a small label on the right-hand side warning of the charge."

Read more...

Return to news headlines...