Hi-Tech Checks at Borders

A pounds 650M contract to introduce electronic checks on everyone entering and leaving the country was signed by ministers yesterday.

The deal with arms manufacturer Raytheon Systems Limited will lead to major changes in the processes passengers have to undergo at ports, airports and international rail terminals.

Including the cost of remodelling and rebuilding at ports, the entire e-Borders project will cost pounds 1.2bn, a Home Office spokesman said.

Raytheon will lead the technology project, providing machines such as passport and fingerprint scanners, as part of a consortia named Trusted Borders. Companies such as airlines and ferry operators will have to hand the Government detailed passenger and crew data prior to their departure to and from the UK.

Initial estimates said there would be 90 separate pieces of information on each passenger submitted to the Home Office including name, address, passport number, journey details and even whether the traveller had special dietary requirements.

(c) 2007 The Journal – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.