WIGHTLINK customers are currently unable to pay for their ferry bookings online or over the phone.

Technical issues mean the payment system has gone down.

The ferry operator doesn't accept cash payments, as previously reported, and relies on card payments.

A spokesperson said today: "We're sorry, due to a problem with our payment system, we're unable to take payments online or over the phone at the moment.

"Multilink bookings are unaffected.

"Please bear with us while this is resolved and try again later. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you."

The cross-Solent operator says the decision not to use cash was made two years ago to protect its customers and staff from the spread of Covid-19 through cash-handling - but the move has been criticised by customers.

A spokesperson for the ferry company said previously: "Wightlink welcomes payments by credit and debit cards, through the Wightlink website and smartphone app, at ticket machines at all ports and by smartphone systems such as Apple Pay.

"Many customers use contactless payment cards and devices which are quick and convenient and reduce queuing times."

UPDATE 11.25am: The payment system is back up and running. Wightlink said: "Thanks for your patience and apologies again for any inconvenience during this short outage."

More to follow.