Eurostar security

[PeterDR]

There's been much discussion here about the impediment that border controls put on Eurostar operations, but what about the security check.

When using Le Shuttle or cross channel ferries, I've not has to go through a metal detector and have by bags x-rayed. Therefore, what is the reason for the more onerous security check on Eurostar, and could it be rationalised?

Was it a concern in relation to Northern Irish related terrorism in the mid 90s; in which case surely a car could carry a much greater threat into the tunnel?
A response to complaints by airlines that their new rival wouldn't have to subject their customers to what air passengers are?

Any insights would be much appreciated.

 

[williamn]

Just security theatre. It used to be spot checks rather than every bag.

 

[Starmill]

They do search cars as part of Tunnel security. They just don't have to search every single vehicle.

 

[Gaelan]

They do search cars as part of Tunnel security. They just don't have to search every single vehicle.

So why do they have to search every single Eurostar passenger?

 

[Bletchleyite]

So why do they have to search every single Eurostar passenger?

It was set up that way because it was seen to be a high risk IRA target. Would you be the one to sign off on removing it? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't!

 

[AlterEgo]

It was set up that way because it was seen to be a high risk IRA target. Would you be the one to sign off on removing it? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't!

Eurostar didn't have full airport security scanning every passenger until much later than this. I'm unsure of the exact date but the threat would be much more along the lines of post-Sept 11th threats than the IRA.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Eurostar didn't have full airport security scanning every passenger until much later than this.

It certainly had the full setup - I used it regularly around 2000. However when busy it often ushered people past to shorten the queues. I can't remember if it had metal detectors then though, but it certainly had X-ray machines.

I'm unsure of the exact date but the threat would be much more along the lines of post-Sept 11th threats than the IRA.

I believe it was post-9/11 when they stopped ushering people past, yes.

 

[brooklynbound]

When first opened at Waterloo I think check-in was 20 minutes before the train and very quickly it was extended to half an hour. I remember asking Eurostar management why are they pretending to be an airline rather than a train service and they said they had been forced to do it.

 

[rvdborgt]

I believe it was post-9/11 when they stopped ushering people past, yes.

I think I've been ushered past in Brussels at least once post-9/11.

 

[StephenHunter]

Another concern has been illegal immigration and smuggling. Security against that is often intelligence-led or watching for suspicious behaviour. There must be X-ray scanners at the terminals for lorries, I think.