Motorists are threatening to boycott Asda after the supermarket chain brought in new payment rules at its petrol stations. Asda – which has a huge branch at Wolstanton Retail Park – has confirmed plans to switch to cashless transactions only at all forecourts this year.
But the move has not gone down well with drivers. There are currently 82 Asda sites which have drive-thru payment kiosks, with 68 sites still to make the change.
Despite the fury of motorists, Asda stated it hopes the change will allow users to fill up quickly and easily without needing to enter the store.
One Facebook user fumed: “Come on Asda. Don’t go with the status quo. You may lose custom because we choose to stand for freedom of choice. Not control.” A second wrote: “Asda petrol station goes cashless, the two booths used to employ two people. Now the only ones making money are Asda and the banks!!!! “Don’t lose your cash, use your cash.”
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And a third commented: “To be honest, I personally feel that people need to use cash as much as they can. If you go to the garage to get £60 fuel, take it out of bank machines to pay the cashier.”
An Asda spokesperson explained: “As more than 90 per cent of all payments on our Superstore forecourts are made via card or a contactless device, the colleagues who worked on these sites are moving into the store so they can better serve our customers.
“These conversions began in December and we expect to complete the changeover later in 2024.”
On its website, Asda says: “We have 320 Asda Petrol Stations throughout the UK supplying low cost, high quality fuel to customers up and down the country.
“Asda Petrol Stations also provide customers with air pumps, car washing facilities, and a convenience store with a variety of kiosks from magazines to hot drinks on the go. Find your nearest Asda Petrol Station below for opening times and specific site facilities.”
Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
