Grit in the Oyster

SIR – I have just tried to add cash to my wife’s visitor Oyster Card, which has not been used for six months, for a visit to London.

Transport for London will not accept payment by telephone, and, since it has not been used in the last eight weeks, the card cannot be registered for internet payment. The helpful advice is to join the queue to top it up once you arrive.

This really is the most tourist unfriendly system and must be a nightmare for foreign tourists. Is London actively discouraging them? Peter Catton

Wetherby, West Yorkshire