The transport industry has been told to ‘prepare for the end of the round pound’ as its legal tender deadline approaches.
With less than 100 days to go until the old round pound loses legal tender status, The Royal Mint and HM Treasury are encouraging all those within the transport industry who are yet to prepare for the new 12-sided one pound coin to do so now, before the October 15 deadline.
There will be more new 12-sided pound coins in circulation than round pounds by the end of July, the Royal Mint has confirmed. Some businesses have waited for this changeover period before upgrading their machines. However, now the time has come. Transport businesses across the country are being urged to check equipment and communicate with their customers about the change.
Following the announcement, businesses across the UK are being encouraged to:
• Upgrade any remaining equipment to accept the 12-sided £1 coin. The Treasury has claimed that if equipment continues to accept round pounds, operators may be at risk of being targeted with counterfeit coins;
• Bank round and 12-sided pound coins in separate bags;
• Bank round pound coins first, when possible; and
• Encourage customers to spend their round pounds first before the October deadline.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Jones MP, said: “We are now reaching the point where there are more new 12-sided pound coins in circulation than round pounds.
“With less than 100 days before the old round pound ceases to be legal tender, the clock is ticking. We are urging businesses who are yet to do so, to update their systems and inform their customers ahead of the October 15 deadline.”
CEO and Deputy Master of The Royal Mint, Adam Lawrence, said: “The Royal Mint is very proud to have delivered the new 12-sided one pound coin and ensuring a smooth transition is now our top priority. We hope our announcement about the changeover point in July will encourage those transport businesses who have not yet upgraded their equipment to do so ahead of the deadline.”
