Railway passengers to be scanned

Mr Darling said there would not be a 'closed system'

Airport-style screening of passengers is to be tested at railway and underground stations, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has said.

Trials are due to begin at Paddington Station's Heathrow Express platforms in the new year.

Randomly chosen passengers will be asked go through a scanner or will be searched either by hand, electronic trace equipment or sniffer dogs.

The checks follow the London underground bombings in July.

'Ongoing threat'

Mr Darling said any checks would be "reasonable" to ensure passenger flow.

Mr Darling told MPs on the Commons transport select committee that the terrorist threat was one "we are going to be living under for the rest of our lives".

He said the tests should last around six months and that bags may also have to be passed through X-ray machines.

Mr Darling did not provide details of stations other than Paddington where equipment would be tested.

He said: "Around three million people travel on the London Underground and well over two million travel on the UK railway every day.

"We cannot operate a closed system like we do at airports, But it is important that we reduce the risk to those passengers while recognising that people need to get about on the Tube and railway.

"It is equally important that we take account of the benefits that new technology could provide us.

"It could offer security benefits and this should not be disregarded without due consideration. We have to be ready to look at whether this would help."

It was also "essential to ensure that future decisions are based on reliable evidence and experience".