Sunshine triggers record cashpoint withdrawals

Tuesday, 04 October 2011 04:29

The recent Indian summer saw record numbers flock to Britain's seaside resorts as the UK enjoyed the hottest day ever recorded in October.

But it wasn't just the beaches that were heaving - there were huge queues for cash machines as well.

According to new figures from ATM network operator LINK, cash machine withdrawals spiked when the hot weather struck.

On Friday September 30th, some £577 million worth of withdrawals were made by consumers, who were no doubt preparing for the record-breaking weekend heat wave ahead.

The mass withdrawal of cash represents the largest amount of money taken out at ATMs since Christmas Eve 2010. The figure was 14 per cent higher than on September 30th 2010.

Cash withdrawals continued at record rates over the course of the weekend too, with Sunday experiencing an 11 per cent increase on last year.

John Howells, LINK chief executive officer, said: "The good weather really seems to have encouraged people to withdraw cash in preparation for increased spending over an unusually sunny weekend - confirmation that the right combination of feelgood factors can boost short-term spending and that cash is a very popular way of paying for these kinds of goods and services."

In Brighton, tourist numbers skyrocketed over the weekend, with visitors to the council's tourism website increasing by 30 per cent.

Nick Mosley, a city events organiser, told the Guardian: "The good weather always helps.

"Brighton beach is packed and the Lanes are thronged with people."

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