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This is almost entirely FUD, and 'the card readers rarely function adequately if at all' is just plain untrue. What makes you say the readers don't work? Personal experience? I've seen a broken screen on a contactless reader once, however I've also seen lots of broken Chip and Pin readers -- doesn't make the system faulty. All contactless systems I've seen are either built-in to the same unit as the Chip and Pin device (which has a display) -- or a separate reader, which also has a display. Both clearly state when payment has been requested, and how much you are being charged. The problem of '[..] or even whether you are paying the bill of the correct till.' is rarely ever a problem at all. With the vast, vast, vast majority of readers, it's instantly obvious which reader you should use (because it's right in front of you!).
Besides, if it's not immediately 100% obvious which reader you should use, the cashier will point it out to you, but again, this 'problem' is not a regression on chip and pin, which suffers from this. Contactless payment is a hugely popular choice of payment in central London. Take a look at a Pret or Eat (or indeed, M&S) at lunchtime. Consumers aren't in the least bit scared about contactless, nor do they 'express fear'. Everyone I've spoken to about contactless has absolutely loved it. It's unbelievably convenient for consumers and a huge win for businesses too. Agree with the interference though, that is annoying. That said, anyone with any sense doesn't keep their Oyster in their wallet :). Having to hold your wallet out in your hand and place it on the sensor is just asking for someone to grab your wallet (keep oyster in separate pocket during journey, replace during wallet upon arrival at destination). |