Body scanner unity called for

Date: 14/1/2010

The EU's transport commissioner-designate Siim Kallas has argued for a Europe-wide approach to the use of body scanners at airports.

He argued that it was bad that some member states had already begun using body scanners, despite there being no common approach for their use from the EU.

Mr Kallas said he was in favour of a single EU regulation on the use of such scanners at airports.

"Body scanners can increase security, but no measure is 100 per cent sure" he said, in response to being asked whether the use of such security devices could help to prevent terrorism.

Mr Kallas also noted that the introduction of body scanners is not a panacea for airline security and that threats will still remain.

In a hearing before the European Parliament's transport committee, Mr Kallas also discussed issues such as climate change, road safety and passenger rights.

Proposals for cross-border enforcement of sanctions for road offences have been rejected by the EU Council, he said.