The Paddington scanner is an example of Being Seen To Do Something
whilst not actually doing anything worth speaking of, and I want
nothing to do with that sort of official stupidity.

Sure is... Access to the same platforms via the bridge area was entirely
un-monitored- not even a 'security ' bod showing a presence, but seven BTP
+dog standing around near the 'scanner'.
The invite to a passing body I witnessed was along the lines of 'would you
like to help us', and could have been an invite to sample a glass of wine..
Lets face it , if every entrance had one of those thingies and it became
obligatory to pass thru, then if a terrorist really want access , he would
catch a train at Acton Mailnline or somewhere- or an underground
station....that's without even considering the merits of whether terrorists
see this as a potential target.