Brussels, 15/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - After France and Italy, the United Kingdom has also refused to lift the ban imposed on carrying liquids, sprays and pastes in passengers' hand luggage from third countries, transiting through European airports. In line with a European Commission proposal, a first stage in a gradual approach towards total lifting of the current restrictions imposed on carrying liquids in hand luggage was to be applied from 29 April through the introduction of a more effective scanning technology. After fears expressed by the industry, the British government blocked entry into force of the new legislation on Thursday 14 April.
The EU regulation will take effect but, because of the current security conditions, “we are imposing stricter measures”, which means “there will be no change”, British Transport Secretary Philip Hammond writes in a letter on Wednesday 13 April.
The EU regulation will apply to passengers from countries outside the EU that stop over in Europe. Once it takes effect, they may keep the bottles of alcohol or perfume bought in duty free zones during inter-flight transfers. Lifting of all restrictions imposed after the thwarted attacks in London 2006 is to take place in April 2013. Some 6 million passengers transit through Heathrow Airport each year and about 2,000 tonnes of liquids are confiscated each year. Status quo on the transport of liquids will nonetheless mean there is a difference in the situation in the different European airports. Passengers taking flights that go through Germany, for example, may keep their liquids, while those transiting through the UK will have to relinquish them at security screening. Given the size of Heathrow Airport, London would like to remedy the situation, and contemplates requesting a new deadline for lifting restrictions. (O.L./transl.jl)