20.08.12
Security screening considered on railways
The Home Office is to consider introducing mass security screening at mainline rail stations and the Tube to scan for terrorist threats, as it launches a research brief for new technology.
The search would focus on emerging technology capable of rapidly screening huge numbers of passengers to detect explosives, guns and knives as well as chemical and biological materials.
The high volumes of passengers on the railway mean that traditional forms of screening are not possible.
Suitable screening points could be at ticket barriers, the top and bottom of escalators and platforms and the equipment could be either fixed into the station or portable for more flexible use.
Passengers are largely positive about the need for checks, the DfT has stated, but it accepts that they are unwilling to accept major delays to their journey.
The current official UK threat level is at ‘substantial’, indicating a terrorist attack is highly possible.
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Image c. British Transport Police