Bradford campaigners against cash machine charges have welcomed tough recommendations from a committee of MPs.

After months of investigation, the Treasury Select Committee said it had major concerns about the increase in the number of machines where customers are charged up to £1.75 per withdrawal.

The proportion of machines at which users have to pay to access their own money has grown to 37 per cent. These net the banks around £140 million a year.

MPs on the committee lambasted self-regulation as "totally inadequate" in curtailing sharp practices among operators who flouted the rules. The committee called for clear, visible signs on machines warning customers how much they would be charged.

It criticised Link, the organisation which operates and polices the system for its " lack of openness" and the fact it had no comprehensive enforcement of transparency rules.

The committee also highlighted the Post Office, where three quarters of cash machines charge a fee. And it said charging has a disproportionate effect on poorer people.

Bradford-based Yorkshire Building Society has stolidly opposed the growth of charges since the idea was mooted by Barclays five years ago.

It organised a 100,000-signature petition when charges were first introduced.

"We're firmly behind any campaign to keep them free," said a spokesman. "We will not put charges on any of our machines. We would completely support the select committee's view that where machines do charge they should be clearly marked."

Specialist mortgage lender the Bradford & Bingley has also consistently opposed charges for cash machines.

A spokesman said: "The Treasury Select Committee's report has once again highlighted the need for the banking industry to carefully examine how and when they charge for cash withdrawals.

"Bradford & Bingley is opposed to charging its customers to use its on-site cash machines. We believe customers should not be charged for making a cash withdrawal on any bank premises and that the banks should bear any charges payable via the Link network.

"Bradford & Bingley agrees customers should have free and easy access to their money and that consumers must be wary of charges imposed upon withdrawals and act accordingly. A move towards increasing fee awareness by clearly labelling those ATMs that levy a charge is a step in the right direction."

The National Consumer Council also welcomed the findings. Deputy chief executive Philip Cullum said: "This groundbreaking report is fantastic news for consumers. We eagerly await the introduction and enforcement of much tougher rules about labelling of ATMs that charge."