'Naked' scanner begins Manchester trial
Tuesday, 13 October 2009 12:00 AM
'Naked' scanner at Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport had begun a trial of a new scanning device which produces 'naked' images of passengers.
Authorities claim the human x-ray machine will speed up security checks at the north England location, with passengers no longer required to remove articles of clothing such as belts and shoes.
Scanners will reveal hidden explosives or weapons, but critics argue a detailed outlines of passengers bodies - as well as any piercings of breast enlargements - will also be revealed.
However, the images will be destroyed instantly, reducing the potential for abuse, argues the airport. Passengers can also refuse to be scanned, while images will only be seen for a matter of seconds by experts in a remote location.
The scanners cost £80,000 each, with the Department for Transport expected to make a decision on their rollout across the UK within a year.
The scanners work by broadcasting an electromagnetic wave on to passengers, creating a virtual three-dimensional image from reflected energy.
Heathrow Airport in London has previously trialled the scanners.
travelbite.co.uk staff
