The Association of Payment Clearing Services (APACS) is introducing the new measures, specific to the laser printing of the Bank Giro Credit (BGC) amount box, which will come into effect on 1 January 2003.

APACS company manager Fred Galbraith said: "Banks now use image technology to read the amount, but current design isnt friendly to the process. Most printers have already adopted the new layout, which will cut delays."

He added that around 400 credit slip printers and more than 70 cheque printers would be affected.

A BGC Certification Scheme will also be launched next January, to ensure that APACS standards are consistently met.