Amano Reader Eliminates Ticket Scams.

"We have four-way readers for side format magnetic stripe tickets," says Tom Thompson, UK regional manager for the European division.

Ticket fraud usually works with the centre stripe ticket, using one right way up and the other face down, which the validator cannot spot. But with two side strip tickets in a new reader, one simply covers the other. "And it cannot read the other side because the magnetic scanner is rotated round depending on which way the ticket is inserted."

Amano's tickets can also be read if badly crumpled or with tears and pieces missing, because of a redundant encoding system on the magnetic strip. Drivers cannot complain that the exit barrier "will not accept the ticket" and be let out for free.

Tickets also carry full information says Thompson which means a link to a central computer is not needed to marry entry and exit readers - payment and barriers operate stand-alone. Amano's systems do use a central computer link however for collecting management audit data.

"And we often link in human resource systems, time and attendance and access control," he said.

Amano is increasingly offering 'complete solutions' including interconnections, control rooms, security, time management and personnel. Latest technology allows Internet connection with remote management and linking of multiple car parks as one system.