Ticket gate; Victoria line Automatic Fare Collection gate, 1968

Experiments with automatic barriers started on the Underground in January 1964. The tickets had a coded magnetic strip on the back, which would only open the gate when valid. The idea was a success, and gates of this kind were installed throughout the Victoria Line on its opening in 1968, and then throughout the central London area. This example was originally used as an exit gate on the Victoria Line, but was moved to Tooting Bec on the Northern Line in 1972. It was finally taken out of service in 1988 when the AFC system was replaced with a new type, known as UTS or 'Underground Ticketing System'.
On average, 15 people per minute can pass through a tube station ticket gate using paper tickets. The Oyster system allows up to 40 people per minute.