Changes to the rules governing LINK cash machines will support the installation of free cash machines, from which customers will be able to withdraw money from their UK current accounts, in over 300 areas across the UK previously without them.

The move follows an agreement in December 2006 between banks, building societies, ATM operators, MPs and consumer groups to widen the free cash machine network.

The ATM Working Group identified 309 areas in the UK where customers were not able to access the cash in their UK current accounts for free, prioritising communities of 3,000+ people where no machines were available. All parties to the agreement concurred that about 600 new machines were needed.

Treasury committee chairman John McFall MP, who chaired the ATM Working Group, said: “I am delighted with the progress being made on this initiative.

“The uptake for these free cash machines in the first three months has been remarkable. The fact that firm sites have been found and agreed for nearly 400 cash machines already is a clear signal that they were much needed and welcome in the communities they are now serving.”

He concluded: “What we need now is a final push to reach the target figure of 600 and the financial incentives to cash machine operators should help us achieve the goal of allowing more people free access to the money in their UK current accounts.”