New counter-terror screening techniques will be tested in 2006 on the national rail and London Underground over the next few months, says Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.
The trial will begin for four weeks at the Heathrow Express platforms on Paddington station. A small number of randomly chosen passengers will be asked to take part in the tests. This may involve going through a scanner or being searched by hand, with the use of portable trace equipment or with sniffer dogs. Bags may be passed through x-ray machines. The trial, ther Department for Transport (DfS) says, will include the first use on the UK railway of body scanners using millimetre wave technology, to check for objects under clothing. No decision has been taken on deployment, the DfT adds.
Giving evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, Alistair Darling said: "Around three million people travel on the London Underground and well over two million travel on the UK railway every day. We cannot operate a closed system like we do at airports. But it is important that we reduce the risk to those passengers whilst recognising that people need to get about on the tube and railway. It is equally important that we take account of the benefits that new technology could provide us. It could offer security benefits and this should not be disregarded without due consideration. We have to be ready to look at whether this would help. No decision on the future use of these techniques has been taken. This equipment test is essential to ensure that future decisions are based on reliable evidence and experience.โ
