As the deadline of September 30 draws near, many UK citizens are rushing against time to have the £20 and £50 notes they now hold changed by a polymer equivalent.
As many Britons wait in line at its counter, the Bank of England (BoE) has said that it is “experiencing very strong demand” for its services.
The Bank of England Counter is currently open Monday through Friday from 9.30 am to 3 pm and is in high demand.
“There will be lengthy lines, and you might have to wait more than an hour.
When making a trip to the Bank to conduct an in-person exchange, we respectfully ask that you take into account the lengthy wait periods. If you arrive after 2pm, there’s a chance you won’t be served before we close.
Although it is still a legal tender at present, the £20 and £50 notes will cease to be in use and circulation from next month.
People who are in possession of the notes have been asked to deposit them at their banks, some post office branches or with the Bank of England to have them replaced with the polymer version which is said to be “less vulnerable to counterfeiters and more durable”.
According to UK Sky News, the Bank first released the polymer £50 note in 2021, which featured Bletchley Park codebreaker and scientist Alan Turing. This completed the “family” of polymer notes, which also included the £5, £10, and £20 notes.
Following her passing, Queen Elizabeth II’s image is anticipated to eventually be removed on UK banknotes.
Following his accession to the throne, King Charles III’s likeness will be printed on the new currency.