Latest News

Body scanners at Birmingham by end of February

Page last updated: 19th Feb 2010 - 03:28 PM

Birmingham Airport is next in line to receive the new ‘naked’ scanners that have been causing such a fuss in the media recently. Reports state that the airport will see the new scanners arrive by the end of the month, and this is already causing controversy.

The scanners are electromagnetic and can see beneath a person’s clothes to show if they are carrying any weapons or bombs. It sounds like a sensible solution, and it has been in the news a lot lately following the failed Detroit bomb attempt on Christmas Day. Calls for extra security measures following the event saw the scanners become the most obvious choice to stop such an atrocity occurring in the future.

The controversy has been increased even more by the fact that the government has now decided that under 18s should also be scanned, whereas before this was not allowed due to child protection issues.

Heathrow and Manchester airports already have the scanners in use, and Birmingham is now next in line to follow suit. Airport security services have said that there is nothing to worry about because the image is deleted straight away. However, many passengers understandably do not like the idea of having a naked image of themselves produced, and many have said that it is not the right way to go about security.

What’s more, passengers who are selected for the scans will be obliged to undergo them – if they refuse, they will not be able to board their flights. Over the next few months the scanners will arrive at other airports across the country, until eventually they are in place at all airports. There are also suggestions that the scans could become a compulsory part of the security procedure in the future for all passengers.

Comments - 8

1. Jackie Passey

22nd Feb 2010 - 09:57 PM

Whilst I agree that we need to do what we can to improve security I feel that it's a big intrusion on peoples privacy to be taking photos of "naked" bodies and that complete strangers are looking at these images. My biggest concern however is that considering the goverments and public service sector recent lapses in security - confidential information been left on trains and falling into the wrong hands that the same will happen here. How do we know that the images are destroyed immediately and aren't being published in various places? I also feel very uncomfortable with a stranger basically looking through my clothes at a "naked" image it feels like a big intrusion of privacy and very embarrassing to be photographed naked. Is there a better way of increasing security?

Report Comment

2. G.M

3rd Mar 2010 - 08:48 AM

In an ideal world none of this would be necessary. Although I do not like this new system, I feel that unless those who complain about it can offer a better solution we have no choice. Due to the waiting times for a scan in hospitals maybe they should go the whole hog and and give us a print out so we can see if we have any ulcers, growths etc. :-)

Report Comment

3. 1984

3rd Mar 2010 - 10:35 AM

These scanners are both an invasion of privacy and safety. Facts, based on the Rapiscan company themselves who make the scanners:
They DO store and transmit images;
They DO penetrate the body to see bones ( look at the pictures and the Rapiscan site ), and are therefore more powerful and more dangerous than the Government will admit;
They DO show up things like embarrassing prostheses, such as mastectomy breast implants well below the skin. These women will be subject to sexual and physical abuse as they are stripped and cavity searched and their breasts are groped and pulled to try find out if they are a bomb - medical documentation is easily faked.

Report Comment

4. Jay

28th Mar 2010 - 09:22 PM

What is the problem, they are just like an xray, lots of bones etc., Or you can blow up over the Atlantic, I just hope I'm not on that plane

Report Comment

5. m.zah

3rd Apr 2010 - 08:17 AM

well if the government relly need to put these scanars, then it should be seperate for women and mens. for women it should be only femals who scan them and for men only male should scan then i dont think there will be any problem.

Report Comment

6. Jude Lawrence Fernandes

12th Apr 2010 - 11:53 AM

Some of us are harmless creatures of God! So,why be scared of us, when we wouldn't hurt anyone! I feel that there is a limit to how far security measures can go -- not everyone should be subject to such 'body scans' ... I think I would be somewhat embarrassed at someone else veiwing me. Nevertheless, I would abide by any security rules -- no choice anyway!

Report Comment

7. eileen summers

15th Apr 2010 - 02:43 PM

anything that makes air travel saferas to be a step in the right direction

Report Comment

8. william devine

8th Jun 2010 - 05:04 PM

I agree scans should be compulsory for all flights. WE ARE ALL THE SAME. Don't agree, get a train, or boat, or bus, or bike, car, tram, balloon, or a piggy back. Be scanned be safe...

Report Comment