Scanning machines introduced on Heathrow Express Stations at Paddington

But London Underground won't have body scanners

Just in case we haven't had enough railway news today, just thought I would report that airport style X-ray machines and body scanners will soon be launched at Paddington station's Heathrow Express. From the front page of Metro:

"Critics including train operators, say imposing extra checks at all stations would be too expensive. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling will tell Parliament on Wednesday he would like to start enforcing added security checks at rail stations.

"But the Association of Train Operating Companies said: 'We have an open access network and it is simply not practical to put in airport-style security at every station.'

According to the BBC - "Brian Cooke, chairman of London Travelwatch, said there was no system available that could cope with the volume of Tube passengers.

He said everyone wanted maximum security but there were concerns the checks would mean more delays and congestion."

Back in Metro - "Transport for London added 'Body scanners are completely impractical on the London Underground. Heathrow handles 67.1 million passengers each year - London Underground carries 976 million.

'You can just imagine the delays if such technology was introduced on the Tube. We are constantly reviewing technology to see what could be potentially employed - but body scanners are not an option for us. Our stations just don't have room for them'

So what is it lads, too many delays and impractical or not enough room or both?

London Underground; Tube Posted by annie mole Monday, October 31, 2005 Permalink COMMENT HERE
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