Brussels, 24/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament (EP) transport and tourism committee has gone back on its somewhat critical stance vis-à-vis the use of body scanners in European airports with its approval by the wide majority of 37 votes to two, with three abstentions, of the report by Luis de Grandes Pascual (EPP, Spain) on air security on Tuesday 24 May. The report sets out recommendations to allow those member states which wish to install body scanners in airports. De Grandes Pascual argues that this U-turn from the 2008 EP position can be justified by the “evolution of the technology of the scanners” which now “offer a clear added-value in terms of security without risks to passengers' health or doubts on the respect of its fundamental rights”. According to the report, the greatest danger to human health is from X-ray scanners, which should be banned. In terms of personal data protection, the report states that no type of scanner tested by European states saves data. Passengers' modesty is protected through the use of “stick figure” images which show only objects that might be dangerous. The use of scanners should remain optional, however, for both states and passengers. Passengers should have the right to refuse to go through the scanner, though they would then have to undergo other checks, such as a body search, checks which may be more intrusive, de Grandes Pascual said.
The report also calls on the Commission to clarify the position on liquids, gels and aerosols in hand luggage, arguing for the current restrictions to be lifted from 2013. Once again, it is the progress made in scanner technology which will make life easier for passengers. According to the rapporteur, “by 2013, technology will be available that will allow potentially dangerous liquids to be detected”.
The recommendations contained in the report are an attempt, de Grandes Pascual says, to match the “greatest level of security” possible with respect for passengers' health and rights. In this, the report is a “call for a legislative proposal”, he stated presenting the report. It will be for the European Commission to bring forward this legislative proposal under the co-decision procedure in order to harmonise air security across Europe. (J.K./transl.rt)