The pump doesn’t auto-start when you unhook the nozzle from the pump. I think the cashier has to manually allow it to start, from their control system/computer.
So I suspect they wouldn’t let it start if you look shady (hooded, no plates) and they suspect you may run it off.
For example if you ride a motorbike, the cashier sometimes doesn’t start the pump until you uncover your face (allowing cameras to see your face).
But otherwise, we either pay at the fill-up then go pay at the desk (yes they can be a waiting line if there are more pumps than open cashdesks) or pay directly at the pump by card/contactless (modern pumps). It locks a sum on your card, say 200EUR, and when you hook the nozzle back it adjusts the payment transaction to only the amount consumed and debits you.
sanguinepar@lemmy.world 9 months ago
In the UK, petrol stations almost always have CCTV monitoring pumps, and can use number plates to identify anyone who leaves without paying. Probably similar in the EU I would think.
That said, it’s also increasingly common to have a pay at the pump system, where you have to use your credit/debit card before you can fill up, with the amount being taken off automatically based on how much fuel you used.
Cinner@lemmy.world 9 months ago
What’s to stop someone driving cross-country or even just for a 1-off fill up and wearing a hat and glasses and covering their plates with cardboard and tape right before coming and going?
E: someone else in the thread mentioned an attendant will make sure they can see people’s faces before starting the pump
fidodo@lemmy.world 9 months ago
How did it work before automated monitoring?