Mohammad Asghar, Shadow Minister for Equalities, has offered his backing to the RNIB’s campaign to get banks to install audio cash machines.
He has laid a statement of opinion at the National Assembly for Wales highlighting the importance of the issue.
The South Wales East AM also raised the issue in the Senedd on Wednesday; calling on Welsh Government Minister Jane Hutt to join him in urging banks to consider the needs of their blind and partially sighted customers.
Speaking after the plenary session, Mr Asghar said: “This is a very important campaign and I am pleased to offer my support to the RNIB.
“In the United States of America, 1 out of 4 ATMs offer audible announcements via headphone sockets.
“The RNIB estimate that no cash machines carry this feature in Wales. This has to change.
“Such a small technological step could make a big, big difference”.
Hugh Huddy, RNIB Campaigns Officer for Inclusive Society, said: “For years now RNIB has been hearing about blind and partially sighted people’s frustrations at not being able to access their own money.
“While sighted people can enjoy the ease and convenience of taking cash out of Britain’s 64,000 ATMs anytime of day or night, most blind and partially sighted people have to make special trips to the bank, or get cash back in large amounts to make sure they have enough money.
“This situation is unacceptable when audio facilities can be easily enabled on many cash machines.”
