Childers welcomes end of liquid bans at airports

Posted by Bronwen Maher on May 04, 2010 at 09:54 AM

Labour MEP Nessa Childers has today welcomed the ending of restrictions on the carrying of everyday liquids such as perfumes, deodorants and aftershaves on board by 2013, which she had called for last November.

The European Commission announced this week that it is ready to end the ban on liquids in hand luggage, a security measure which has been a thorn in the side for air-travellers since 2006. The Commission announcement followed the passing of European legislation which requires all European airports to introduce liquid-screening by 2013, allowing passengers to carry unlimited liquids in their hand luggage once again.

The Commission confirmed that in three years' time all liquids will be allowed in cabin baggage and will be screened. By that date, the current restrictions on the carriage of liquids in cabin baggage will end.

“We still need tight security rules in the fight against terrorism, but once the new technology is available in airports, the ban becomes totally unnecessary. I am happy the Commission has now accepted my calls to bring this ban to an end.

"The most important thing is that Europeans are secure when they travel by air, however it is also important that the EU seeks ways to accommodate this security with a convenient and hassle-free travel environment.
 
"With its move to introduce liquid screening, the European Commission has put down a marker stating that the ongoing fight against international terrorism need not necessarily result in a reduced quality of service for European travellers."

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