Shropshire Star

New 10p coin is rejected by pay machines at Telford Shopping Centre

Changes to the humble 10p piece have made it cheaper to produce, lighter and harder wearing – but impossible to use when paying to park at Telford Shopping Centre.

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For the coins, which came into circulation two years ago, are being rejected by the town centre's parking machines.

Frustrated motorists have found themselves putting the right currency in, only to have the machines spit the new 10p pieces back out, leading to queues of parkers waiting to pay.

Town centre bosses said they are aware of the problem and are working to get it fixed. Centre director Chris Jones said: "When the Royal Mint brings out something new we aren't told about it. But we recognise the problem and we are just trying to keep up with these changes."

Some shoppers at Telford Shopping Centre said they had to try three different 10p coins before the ticket machine finally accepted them. One woman decided to use her credit card after many failed attempts to pay with change.

Since January 2012, the Royal Mint has been made all new 5p and 10p coins from nickel-plated steel, rather than cupro-nickel.

The aim is to make the coins last longer.

Jenny Manders, spokeswoman for The Royal British Mint, said: "The decision to change the composition of 5p and 10p coins to nickel-plated steel was taken in light of a consultation exercise in the first half of 2008.

"The Royal Mint takes the concerns of the vending machine industry seriously and worked closely with all parties affected, including the vending industry, to facilitate the transition.

"We provided prototype samples and distributed bulk samples to allow them to conduct the required calibration exercises well in advance of roll-out."

Chris Jones said Telford Shopping Centre's car parking machines were due to be fully upgraded next year to accept the new coins.

But the workmen will probably have to come back as Royal Mint is planning to introduce a new 12-sided one pound coin sometime in the near future - a fact of which Mr Jones is all too aware.

"I can't wait for the 12-sided coin to come in," he said. So next time you queue up to pay for your parking, make sure your the change in your hand was minted after 2012.

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