Gates left open after Oyster failure

Tube chiefs had to leave automatic ticket gates open today after a failure of the Underground's smartcard Oyster ticket system.

The gates failed to "read" the Oyster card throughout the Tube system during the morning rush-hour.

London Underground called in the system's developers TranSys to rectify the problem.

A Transport for London spokesman said: "We're still trying to find out exactly what went wrong and we hope to have it sorted out soon.

"In the meantime, travellers are being asked to show their tickets as they approach the gates which will remain open. This is the first time we have had a problem like this."

Oyster cards were introduced in 2003 and are used by all Tube monthly and annual season ticketholders who account for more than 80% of Underground passengers.

Also used on London buses and on London suburban main line trains, Oyster cards do not have to be taken out of their holders. Passengers merely press the holder against the ticket barrier to gain entry to station platforms.