Tesco has been forced to unlock all 100,000 of its coin-operated trolleys after failing to convert them in time for the introduction of the new 12-sided £1 coin on Tuesday. The supermarket giant said it is replacing locks to accept both old and new coins as well as trolley tokens, and will keep trolleys unlocked during the process to avoid inconvenience for customers.
The move has raised concerns about a potential surge in abandoned trolleys, as shoppers will have no financial incentive to return them. Councils are already dealing with increased numbers of abandoned carts following the plastic bag tax, which led some shoppers to take trolleys home rather than pay the charge.
Other major supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl confirmed that their trolleys have been fully converted to accept the new coin. The new £1 coin, which the Royal Mint says is more secure against counterfeiting, enters circulation on 28 March, with old round £1 coins remaining legal tender until 15 October.
Problems are also expected with parking meters and vending machines. The British Parking Association estimates that about 10% of parking meters are not yet ready, while the Automatic Vending Association says 15% of Britain’s 500,000 vending machines cannot accept the new coin despite a £32m upgrade programme. Both types of machines will continue to accept old £1 coins until they are withdrawn.
Drivers are advised to carry a mix of old and new coins during the transition period. The public is urged to spend or bank their round £1 coins before the October deadline, as they will be melted down to make new ones. The paper £5 note will also cease to be legal tender from 5 May.
