The U.K. Treasury has announced plans to speed up check processing and to promote check imaging via smartphones, tablets and ATMs. The Government Department said it is starting a consultation for the introduction of new check imaging legislation in the U.K. In addition, Barclays, one of the U.K.'s largest banks, is to launch the country's first check imaging technology pilot in early 2014 with a range of customers.

"This government is determined to create a banking sector that works for consumers and serves businesses," Sajid Javid, the Treasury's financial secretary, said in a statement. "We want to see more innovation so that customers see the benefits of new technologies. That is why we're creating a new payments regulator and why we are going to consult on speeding up the check clearing process.

Checks still play an important part in the British payments landscape. Nearly £840 billion ($1.4 trillion) worth of checks were processed in 2013, accounting for 10 percent of all payments made by individuals. In 2013, 23 million checks were sent as gifts because they are still the most trusted method of sending money through the post.

Depositing checks via smartphones is also of benefit to businesses, many of whom still rely on checks. In 2012, more than 370 million check transactions were made and 25 percent of payments made by small businesses were by check, the Treasury said.

"Speeding up check payments into business accounts is to be welcomed as many find the current process frustratingly slow," John Allan, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said in the release. "Using smartphones is an interesting idea which should allow firms in areas, particularly where bank branches are closing, to be able to accept checks as a method of payment."

"These changes mean you will be able to pay checks in instantly, not just in branch, but also using your smartphone or tablet computer," Steven Roberts, Barclays' managing director, said. "When you can download a book or a film in seconds, we believe you should be able to deposit a check in the same way. This is just the beginning of how we want to transform the 'check clearing cycle' for our customers driving down the six days it currently takes a check to clear. We are planning to test the check imaging technology early in the New Year with a range of customers."

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