DRIVERS using the SmartCities card to get across the Itchen Bridge in Southampton are facing technical problems when they try and top up their cards.

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

Card holders have received an email from Southampton City Council explaining the situation.

It 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 so they can speak to a staff member.

The SmartCities card is a multifunctional card that allows people to access a number of different services in Southampton. It can also be a bus pass, a library card and a leisure card.

Find out more at http://bit.ly/2b6vxvL.