Britain considers swapping paper money for plastic
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS September 10, 2013 11:08AM
The Bank of England is considering replacing paper money with polymer bank notes which are billed as cleaner, stronger and more secure. | AP Photo
The Bank of England is considering replacing paper money with polymer bank notes which are billed as cleaner, stronger and more secure.
The bank said Tuesday it will hold a public consultation, bringing samples of plastic money to shopping centers so that members of the public can feel the difference.
Polymer bank notes — made from transparent plastic film coated with layers of ink — are used by countries such as Australia, Mexico and Canada.
Proponents say they are longer-lasting and harder to forge than paper notes. But critics say the bills are slippery, stick together and do not fold as easily as paper.
A British decision is due by December. If the plan is approved, plastic 5-pound notes could be in circulation by 2016.
