In message , Michael Hoffman
writes
Edward Cowling London UK wrote:

Several times I've been caught by this trick, so perhaps they watch
for it. Everyone hurtles up to the barrier and the person in front of
you offers up their ticket / card. They start striding through the
barrier and you follow up behind and put your Oyster on the reader,
just as they get the "seek assistance" screen. They carry on through
(on your card) and you get left there looking like a lemon.

Seems like this would be easy enough to deal with if the gate buzzed
upon an exception like this.

Any sort of audible, or visible acceptance would be nice. All you get is
the pale green "Exit" come up. There may already be an audible signal,
but who could hear it at a busy station. A nice big green or red light
on top of the barrier would remove any ambiguity.


--
Edward Cowling London UK