Bank makes money talk

Barclays has joined a campaign to install 'talking cash machines' for blind and partially sighted people next year.

The bank has committed to add speech output so that options can be heard through plug earphones before a transaction is made.

'We will be speech enabling our cash machines towards the end of next year and see this as an important part of our financial inclusion commitments,' said Bob Bond, Barclays chief UK distribution officer. Barclays has joined the RNIB's Make Money Talk campaign through the rollout.

RNIB chief executive Lesley-Anne Alexander said: 'We believe banks in the UK should provide ATMs with audio facilities for their blind and partially sighted customers, across their ATM networks, and now call for other banks to follow Barclays' example.'