Dogs and X-rays to speed Tube screening

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BTP said it was enhancing its existing stop-and-search capabilities with the use of X-ray equipment for screening bags as well as explosives-search dogs.

The enhancements build on transport police's existing search measures to screen passengers and their bags with minimal delay.

The announcement came as Transport Minister Tom Harris revealed the results of security trials at five Tube and mainline locations in 2006.

Ministers have ruled out airportstyle screening on rail and Underground systems. Government surveys have also shown that the public would be unlikely to accept major delays to journeys and want to ensure their personal privacy is protected.

Mr Harris said the trials showed that screening equipment and dogs can be effective but, given the very large passenger flows and thousands of entry points on the rail and Underground networks, 100 per cent airport-style screening was not feasible.

Mr Harris said: "We will use this evidence, and that from elsewhere in the UK and abroad, to develop further ways of keeping the travelling public secure using proportionate measures."

BTP Superintendent Phil Trendall added: "The public recognise the threat to the rail network, and are broadly supportive of the need for security measures.

"With the use of these X-ray machines and new additional specialist trained search dogs, we are able to screen passengers in a manner proportionate to the ongoing security risk, and with minimal disruption.

"They will be used as part of BTP's ongoing counter-terrorist activities and will be deployed at locations across the UK as part of our effort to maintain a safe railway environment," he added.