NorthLink Ferries has announced that it is to cease accepting personal cheques in payment for travel tickets and on-board purchases.

The initiative, which brings the company into line with many other organisations that no longer accept payment by personal cheque, will begin on Sunday, February 1.

Business cheques and payment by cheque by clubs and similar will still be accepted but, as from February 1, customers should pay by cash or, if they wish, credit or debit card.

NorthLink chief executive Bill Davidson said: “Over the past few years, like all businesses, we have experienced a significant decline in payment by personal cheque.

“The cost of processing cheque payments is significant and because of the small numbers now involved it no longer makes economic sense for us to continue to do so,” he said.