Chip and Pin has been designed to cut down on card fraud

The programme was repeated on Sunday, 2 January, 2005, at 2102 GMT.

From 1 January, 2005, a new hi-tech system called chip and pin had intended to fight the �400 million a year of fraud on credit and debit cards.

Instead of signing for their goods, people were to enter their personal four digit number.

But Money Box has learnt that many retailers still do not have chip and pin technology installed. And the banks have still not upgraded 53 million cards, about four out of 10.

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As a result, banks and retailers have decided people can still sign for goods rather than entering a pin for at least another six months.

Woolworth's is one retailer that does have the new technology. We spoke to its spokesman Daniel Himsworth, and also to Peter Williams, a St Albans convenience store owner.

Sandra Quinn is from the Association for Payment Clearing Services (Apacs), which is in charge of the roll-out of chip and pin. We asked her to explain why the delays are occurring.

Listen to this item

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Jessica Dunbar
Reporter: Samantha Washington