A NEW state-of-the-art body scanner is being trialled at Stansted airport in a bid to enhance security and eliminate time-consuming pat-down searches. The ProVision scanner, an updated version of the controversial scanners launched at other British airports in 2009, which showed images of people's naked bodies, will help security staff identify people hiding weapons, drugs or anything else posing a threat. Kirsty Richardson, head of Stansted's security compliance, said: "There are no privacy issues with these scanners, which is a real benefit to our passengers.
Shape "The image is of a generic gingerbread man-like shape, so it doesn't show the shape of the passengers.
"It also doesn't have any of the safety issues associated with previous scanners, as it doesn't use X-ray technology and is as safe as using a mobile phone. "There are also a number of other benefits in using these scanners. "Ultimately, it will speed up the journey time of our passengers because they won't need to go through the patdown searches that are currently undertaken, as the scanner will show a pin-pointed image of an item that may be a potential threat, or prohibited item, and security staff will be able to deal with that passenger efficiently." The trial, which started on October 25, will run for three months before Stansted bosses decide whether to introduce them permanently.
"The purpose of the trial is to see if the scanner does make things quicker and more efficient for us.
"We're really passionate about using advanced technology that can enhance our passengers' experiences at Stansted," added Mrs Richardson, who has worked at Stansted for six years.
"Obviously, most passengers are concerned about safety and getting through the airport as quickly as possible, so hopefully this new scanner will do that." The trial will see random members of the public picked to pass through the scanner and is mandatory for anyone chosen. Positive Mrs Richardson added: "This trial is really positive and all the staff have been enthusiastic about getting on board. "Often when you trial a new safety measure, things slow down, but that hasn't happened. "Once we've got the results of the trial, we'll discuss the effectiveness of the scanner and whether or not we should permanently introduce them to Stansted."
17.4 million passengers pass through Stansted Airport's security every year 25,000 departing passengers pass through security daily 50,000 arriving and departing passengers who pass through security every day 400 daily flights at Stansted Airport 150 destinations from Stansted Airport
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