City councillors have hit out at an increasing number of Dundee cash machines charging for withdrawals.
Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan condemned the imposition created by the recent introduction of charges at a key Barnhill ATM in his ward and warned of the impact on elderly and vulnerable people.
The previously free-to-use machine outside Campfield Square shopping centre now charges 95p per debit card withdrawal and Mr Duncan confirmed he had written to the chief executive of Cash Zone, the firm which operates the machine.
Mr Duncan said the company should explain why the charges were introduced, what consultation, if any, was carried out, and called for the new fees to be scrapped.
He said: “The imposition of charges for this cash machine hits families on low income and the elderly people in the Barnhill area in particular.
“Only last week, at the Broughty Ferry Local Community Planning and Partnership meeting, concerns were expressed for residents who are financially disadvantaged, face isolation and social exclusion.
“I was therefore very disappointed to learn that the previously free-to-use cash machine outside in Campfield Square shopping centre now charges 95p per debit card withdrawal.
“Such charges particularly hit the elderly and people on low incomes and also encourage people to withdraw larger sums in one go that impacts adversely on budgeting.
“I view these charges as unwarranted and socially irresponsible and I hope that Cash Zone listens to my request to get rid of the charges.”
Mr Duncan’s comments come after his colleague, West End councillor Fraser Macpherson, sought the removal of similar charges at a previously free-to-use ATM outside the Balgay Premier Store in Blackness Road.
It is understood Mr Macpherson wrote to Premier Stores Limited to highlight the impact on the local community in the Logie and Blackness area.
Cardtronics, the company behind the Cash Zone brand, said a series of cuts to the fee banks pay ATM operators for cash withdrawals had made free services at many of its facilities unsustainable.
A spokesperson said: “Independent ATM operators such as ourselves often fill the gap left as a result of the banks closing branches and removing their own ATMs.
“We are committed to keeping cash readily available throughout the UK, particularly for the vulnerable.
“The decision on whether to introduce a fee is taken on a case-by-case basis and reflects the economic viability of the individual machine.
“Introducing a charge is not one we have taken lightly, but LINK’s cuts have left us with no choice on some of our machines.”
Cardtronics has urged politicians to urge regulators to intervene “so that we as an industry can find a sustainable long term solution”.
