Passport Not Scanning at UK Border

[nap666]

My passport is 7yo so not due replacement, had issues for years at EGates, sometimes it scans, last week at Heathrow Egate fails then Border Officer must have tried 9 or 10 times before it finally scanned, anyone else have the same issue?
Also what happens if it wont scan?

 

[Buzby]

As is mine - it only worked 10% of the time (tried with specs on, then off - as my photo has them on). When it fails, you go to a manual check.

 

[Elwyn]

Also what happens if it wont scan?

They can check your details manually by typing your id into their computer. So assuming all was OK you would then be allowed to proceed. However if it’s a regular problem you might want to consider getting a replacement passport. But you will likely have to pay for that.