SCOTTISH Borders Council has apologised after IT problems saw a delay to the introduction of chip and pin technology.
The system was due to come into force yesterday (Wednesday) for its contact centres and registration offices across the region, as well as the Jim Clark Room in Duns.
But the issue means chip and pin – which offers a more secure means of taking face-to-face card payments and reduces the risk of card fraud – will not be available before the end of the month.
The local authority has yet to set a date for the new device to be up and running, but says its previous payment system will be retained until the problem is solved.
A spokesman said: “SBC apologises for any inconvenience.”
Councillor Michael Cook, executive member for HR and corporate improvement, previously said chip and pin was part of SBC’s modernisation objectives.