DRIVERS using the Smartcities card to get across the Itchen Bridge are facing technical difficulties when they try and top up their cards.

Customers of the Smartcities card have been finding that when they use the quick top up system to add credit to their card, the balance has not changed.

An email from Southampton City Council has said: "The system is currently accepting payments but these are not showing up on the account. This is due to a technical issue which we are working to fix as quickly as possible.

"Customers should continue to cross the bridge and present their Smartcities card as usual. Anyone who has used the quick top up function while the system has not been working properly can be reassured that their account will be credited when it is up and running again and payment for crossings made will also be charged.

"We will keep you updated as we resolve this issue. In the meantime we are grateful for your patience and we apologise for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused."

It adds that in the meantime, anyone who experiences difficulties while using the Smartcities card should press the ‘help’ button at the toll booth for a staff member.

For more information go to http://bit.ly/2b6vxvL.