WEIR WELCOMES ADVANCES IN FREE ATMS
 
Angus MP Mike Weir has welcomed new moves to increase the number of free ATM machines. A working group has been set up to look into the matter and Halifax Bank of Scotland have announced that they are adding an extra 300 machines to its network, all of which will allow free cash withdrawals.
 
Mr Weir who has long campaigned on this issue said
 
"These new moves are welcome and show that pressure on this issue is beginning to get results. It is high time that every consumer had the choice of using a free ATM machine, especially since there has been a substantial reduction in the number of post offices and bank branches in rural areas."

"The major banks have a social responsibility to ensure that their customers can access their own money without charge. The move by
Halifax Bank of Scotland is welcome, although it should be remembered that they had previously sold off some "off site" machines which
subsequently became charging machines."
 
"It is high time that all machines stated clearly and in a readily understandable format prior to the commencement of a transaction which machines charge and which are free."