The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has today extended Specific Direction 8 (SD 8) which requires LINK to do all it can to fulfil its commitment to maintain the broad geographic spread of free-to-use (FTU) ATMs. SD 8 was due to end on 2 January 2022. However, the extended SD 8a, will remain in place until the end of March 2022, or until it is varied or revoked.
In October 2021, the PSR consulted on the issue of a new Specific Direction to replace SD 8 and received feedback which the regulator is reviewing. As a result, the PSR is keen to fully consider this feedback before deciding whether to issue a new Specific Direction.
Cash remains an important payment method for many people and the PSR wants to ensure people and businesses continue to have access and confidence in the ATM network. SD 8 has been successful in ensuring that LINK implements a coherent set of policies and practices to meet its commitment towards ensuring a board geographic spread of FTU ATMs. Extending SD 8 will ensure this continues.
The PSR expects LINK to continue to comply with the terms and conditions set out in SD 8a.
The PSR’s consultation CP21/9 on a draft version of its proposed new direction ran from 27 October to 16 November 2021.