Warning over loss of thousands of cash machines during first lockdown

THOUSANDS of cash machines were put out of action during the first national lockdown between March and May last year, with virtually none being replaced, according to new data.

Consumer group Which? used cash-machine data from Link and found 8,000 ATMS have disappeared in the past 18 months – a fall of around 13 per cent – with the vast majority going during the first lockdown. Separately, analysis shows, from the first lockdown in March 2020 until the end of restrictions in July 2021, there were 801 bank branch closures, with another 103 set to close their doors by the end of the year.

ATM analysis by Which? also found that the number of cash machines charging users to get their money varies according to region. For example, in the West Midlands 28% of machines charge users, compared to 19% in the south-east.

The group also found 57% of people have experienced one or more issues using cash machines or finding a high street bank.

Over the last 12 months, one in four experienced at least one cashpoint issue, including 17% who found an ATM had run out of cash or not been working when needed.

A further one in eight said a cashpoint they used had been removed or introduced charges. Bank branch issues affected around 43% of those surveyed, including closures or reduced opening hours.

Gareth Shaw, Which? head of money, said: “These stark figures show the extent of the damage caused by the pandemic to the already fragile cash system, and demonstrate the consequences that this is having on consumers who are trying to withdraw cash. While many people can now bank digitally, millions of people are not yet ready or able to do so.

“It is consumers who are looking to withdraw and spend cash in nearby shops or the high street who will be hardest hit if they are left without a way to access it locally. The cash system is continuing to crumble and legislation on safeguarding access to cash must be introduced swiftly.”