Plastic pounds: Bank of England ponders new notes

Plastic money could be released in Britain. Picture: AP

Britain could be using plastic notes instead of paper in the near future.

The Bank of England is considering replacing paper money with polymer bank notes which are billed as cleaner, stronger and more secure.

The bank said Tuesday it will hold a public consultation, bringing samples of plastic money to shopping centers so that members of the public can feel the difference.

Polymer bank notes - made from transparent plastic film coated with layers of ink - are used by countries such as Australia, Mexico and Canada.

Proponents say they are longer-lasting and harder to forge than paper notes. But critics say the bills are slippery, stick together and do not fold as easily as paper.

A British decision is due by December. If the plan is approved, plastic 5-pound notes could be in circulation by 2016.