Most Brits happy to use body scanners, survey finds

Most British travellers are happy to take part in the full-body scans that were recently introduced at airports in the UK, according to a new poll.

Some 43 per cent of the 1,000 people surveyed by travel add-ons company Holiday Extras said security is the most important issue and they would not have a problem with taking part in a scan.

Nearly one in six (15 per cent) respondents said they would find it "acceptable" to be scanned, on the condition that they could not see the person operating the machine and the image was destroyed.

Fewer than one in ten (seven per cent) said they had a serious problem with the prospect of being asked to participate in a full-body scan.

One per cent of respondents said they would consider refusing if they were selected, a course of action that would lead to them being refused travel.

Full-body scanners are currently in operation at Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport.

When the technology was introduced in February, Sarah Barrett, head of customer experience at Manchester Airport, reassured passengers that "strict procedures" had been put in place to protect their privacy.

She added: "It will enhance security for everyone, which can only be a good thing."

Posted by Paul, 05 March 2010 14:23

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