Bank Machine, the UK’s Premier Independent ATM Operator, has today revealed that the majority of the British public are still very much in favour of cheques as a form of payment.

Independent research carried out by YouGov this month has revealed that 64% of the British public certainly do NOT want to see cheques replaced by an electronic equivalent.

Of the people polled in the survey, 67% have paid with a personal cheque within the past 12 months, demonstrating that cheques are far from obsolete. The results also indicate that 26% of adults use a cheque at least once a month.

Further interesting statistics revealed include:

• Over two-thirds (69%) of people believe that cheques should continued to be made available until they are no longer used by the public

• A majority of the British public do not want any future date set for the removal of cheques as a payment method

• Over 55s are the biggest users of cheques but 18-24 year olds still use them on average 8 times a year

• The Northern regions of both Scotland and England are real strongholds of cheque use

Despite the British Public's clearly stated preference to continue have the option of using cheques, big business is threatening that freedom of choice. For example, Sainsbury are just one of several major retailers that have ceased to accept cheques.

Ron Delnevo, Managing Director of Bank Machine, says, “Once again we see a threat to freedom of choice in the UK. The public's honestly stated preferences are portrayed as obsolete, to suit the ends of those retailers and High Street banks who have their own agendas, primarily aimed at limiting choice and increasing their already high profits."

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For further information about the contents of this Press Release, please contact Gemma Young at The SPA Way on 020 7403 6900 or email gemma.young@thespaway.com

Notes to Editors:

About Bank Machine: Based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Bank Machine is the leading independent ATM operator in the UK, with 2000 ATMs in a variety of locations including forecourts, convenience stores, shopping centres and cinemas. The company has been in business since it founded the Independent ATM market in 1998 and employs over 80 staff. For more information about Bank Machine visit www.bankmachine.com

Bank Machine is a division of Cardtronics Inc – the world’s largest ATM Operator. Cardtronics has ATMs in all 50 States in the USA and also in Mexico. Founded in 1989, the company now has more than 31,000 ATMs Worldwide.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from a survey carried out online by YouGov plc among 2196 GB adults aged 18+. Data is weighted to be representative of the GB population. Fieldwork ran 6th to 8th November 2007.