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Passengers Need Clearer Airport Security Rules
Brussels, 16 March 2009
Conservative Transport Spokesman in Europe Timothy Kirkhope MEP today received assurances over concerns to delays in overdue airport security rules and praised Transport Commissioner for taking a personal interest in the Kirkhope Report on airline ticket distribution.
The Yorkshire and the Humber MEP was addressing the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee during an exchange of views with Vice-President Antonio Tajani, the Italian Transport Commissioner, on Monday. He wanted to raise two topics: firstly, Airport Security, and how it should be financed; and secondly the new airline ticketing rules which will enter into force at the end of the month.
Mr Kirkhope vowed to put pressure on the Commission on behalf of many constituents who have complained about the confiscation of duty free in European Airports. Liquids rules, which were introduced following various terrorists threats, have caused great confusion for holidaymakers coming home from non-EU countries in the last two years.
A review of airport security rules has been beset by continual delays due to a row about who should pay for additional security measures ordered by Member States, for example during times of heightened alert. The Council of Ministers believes they should be funded by the airport operators (and therefore the travelling public), whilst the Parliament argues that the bill should be picked up by the Member States themselves.
A new, and potentially more controversial issue, has arisen. The Commission sanctioned a trial of full body scanners, which produce a 'naked' image to detect concealed objects or weapons. Some trials were carried out in Heathrow, and were said to have gone well, but privacy issues have caused major concerns.
Mr Kirkhope said:
"We have grave concerns surrounding financing airport security and I know the Commission has come forward with something on this. I understand there were a number of delays, and I was worried for passengers and airports alike. The confusion surrounding airport security has been very damaging: in particular I want to know who will bear the cost for additional security measures and what role the Commission sees for body scanners.
"The liquids rules are still causing problems, with many people writing to me saying that duty free is still being confiscated, because third country airports are not coming up to the EU's security standards. These kinds of rules are a blight on the travelling public. Can the Commission not treat these issues as a whole and come up with a package of measures which resolve this?"
Finally, Mr Kirkhope welcomed Vice-President Tajani's role in securing a good outcome for European consumers. A new Code of Conduct on Computerised Reservation Systems will come into force on 29 March. Mr Kirkhope was Rapporteur of the European Parliament's report which sets out rules for the distribution and sale of plane and train tickets.
Mr Kirkhope said:
"I have to touch on what is happening on the Computerised Reservation Systems (CRS). The Commissioner wrote to me to inform me of the adoption of the formal notice on parent carriers. I'm grateful for the personal interest he has shown and the positive impact it has had. I am now looking forward to the entry into force of the new Code of Conduct on 29th March."
Vice-President Tajani responded very positively stating that new rules for Airport Security would be adopted in 2010 and that a Review of the Liquids Rules was currently underway.
ENDS
