Hi-tech rail security measures announced

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has unveiled a range of high-tech security measures, aimed at preventing terror attacks on the rail and Underground network.

The plans, announced at a security conference in London, include the use of scanners, which can detect hidden weapons and explosives and sophisticated new CCTV technology, including an ‘intelligence vision’ system, which can spot suspicious behaviour.

Other measures under consideration include baggage reconciliation, which involves rail and Tube staff asking passengers to account for any suspicious items of luggage.

The measures will be tested on Heathrow Express platforms in the New Year, as well as at several other rail and Tube stations.

The new trials would involve randomly selected passengers walking through body scanners and their luggage being scanned. Sniffer dogs could also be used in the searches.

Mr Darling said: “Of course, we are continuing to learn the lessons of post-July 7. On trains and Underground systems – more varied security measures, high-visibility policing, baggage reconciliation trials, beefing up CCTV.

“We also need to make sure that as new technologies are developed they are tested to see how they can help."

However, Mr Darling said that a ‘closed system’ of security, such as that used at airports, would be impossible to use on the Tube or rail network, due to the number of passengers passing through on a daily basis.

The Conservatives have welcomed the proposals. Shadow Homeland Security Minister Patrick Mercer said: "We welcome the trials of airport scanners at train stations although we are disappointed about the limited scope of the test and the fact it has taken so long. We have been calling on such a system to be tried out for more than two years.

"The sooner the trial gets underway, the sooner we will have a workable system in place to improve security at our train stations."

However, Liberal Democrats transport spokesperson Tom Brake said that the government needed to strike the right balance between safety and efficiency. He said: "Hi-tech covert measures matched by random searches could enhance passenger security. However, the blanket introduction of airport style security systems on our public transport system may create gridlock."

Transport managers and security experts from around the world are attending the two-day security conference. It is aimed at examining transport security in the wake of the July 7 bomb attacks in London, which killed 52 people.

The head of the Madrid Metro system is also expected to address the conference, outlining the measures taken to prevent further terrorist attacks in the city, following last year’s bomb attacks on the city’s transport network.

Last March, 191 people were killed and 1,800 injured when ten bombs exploded on packed commuter trains in the Spanish capital.

(KMcA/SP)