A trial of new scanners at London's Heathrow Airport could herald the end of hand luggage liquid restrictions in the UK.
Rules limiting liquids in hand luggage were introduced worldwide amid fears transatlantic flights could be brought down by terrorists hiding liquid explosives in small drink bottles. Photo: AFP
The machines take a 3D X-ray, allowing security staff to check items without requiring them to be removed from bags, and can detect explosives.
The worldwide rules began in 2006 after a terror plot was stopped by UK police.
Britain's Department for Transport (DfT) said a "small number" of trials would last between six and 12 months.
A spokesperson for the department said if the new technology was successful, it could lead in future to passengers no longer needing to remove items from hand luggage for screening.
"We continue to work closely with our international counterparts to harness the latest advances in technology," the spokesperson said
The new computerised tomography (CT) scanners have also reportedly been tested at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport and John F Kennedy airport in New York.
It comes five years after the European Commission said it hoped the restrictions across Europe could be ended through "technological screening".
Photo: AFP
The current rules specify containers of liquid must hold no more than 100ml and fit in a small transparent, resealable plastic bag, which needs to be removed from hand luggage during pre-flight security checks.
They were introduced amid fears transatlantic flights could be brought down by terrorists hiding liquid explosives in small drink bottles.
But it has resulted in longer security checks, and has coincided with the rise in travel on low-cost airlines where many passengers only carry hand luggage.
Security policy for all UK airports is set by the DfT.
The DfT said the new technology allows baggage screeners "to use 3D imagery to look at objects from all angles".
It said while the the trials take place, the rules remain the same and passengers should expect to remove items if requested during the security screening purposes.
A Heathrow spokeswoman confirmed the airport was "looking at new technologies that can both improve the passenger experience and strengthen our security".
- BBC
