Vox Pops Assessment - By Charlotte Gay & Caroline Scott

BA CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR SECURITY CHANGE

Miss Whorriskey 'headache'

BA Chairman, Martin Broughton, has launched an appeal for radical change in the UK’s airport security, announcing we should stop ‘kowtowing’ to American security demands. Every terrorist plot seems to lengthen the airport security procedures, with passengers now forced to remove their shoes, open laptop cases and empty their pockets in order to be screened – a process Broughton criticised as being “completely redundant”.  

A survey in the Financial Times shows the security queue is the most frustrating part of a passenger’s air travel.

Social care worker Nevetta Whorriskey, 45, Newbury, is adamant airport security checks are getting too intense. She expressed that the need to queue for hours makes her experience “a bit more of a headache”.

Mr De Angelis: "checks are
good - they are needed"

Nevertheless, waiting an extra half an hour would not be an issue for many. Shop owner Tony De Angelis, 70, of Hazelton Close, Littledown, said he is more concerned for his safety. “I don’t want to worry about someone going to blow me up” he said.

Mr Butcher: " It's keeping
me safe"

Gardener Terry Butcher, 54, Marlborough Road, Westbourne, also completely disagreed with simplifying the security.  “As far as I’m concerned it’s keeping me safe and keeping other passengers safe.”  Mr Butcher returned from Menorca, stated he would rather spend a bit more time queuing on the ground rather than worrying about his safety in the air.

Mr Chadwick: "Safety and security has
got to be paramount"

Retired Bournemouth visitor, Ray Chadwick, 73, Charing, Kent, was shocked by Broughton’s appeal. “Safety and security has got to be paramount” he said.

Mr Chave: "It wouldn't bother me at all
to go through the full body scans"

Taxi driver, John Chave, 45, Belben Road, Wallisdown said “With the 9/11 incident I think that the security could be a bit tighter” He believes the current checks are not enough.

Mr Hitchens: "Body scanner(s) will probably
reveal 90% of what a terrorist has on him"

Sandwich bar owner Paul Hitchman, 54, of Charminster Road thinks “sample checks” are the way forward to reduce queues. Hitchman says “they’ve got to have a system where they can detect most of these terrorists” without putting everyone through the security procedure.

Mrs King: "Get through security quicker"

Mother of two, Sabine King, 41, from Hordle says “we’d all like to see a little bit less (airport security)”.

David Bezwarick, 29, Glen Road, described this as “extreme”, complaining, “we still get the same checks going to Scotland as we do going to the states”. Bezwarick, currently an art gallery sales assistant, also said the security measures “don’t make a lot of sense”, due to only being allowed to take 1 lighter on board, for example.

Mr Bezwarick:; "Extreme"

Miss Wilson: "Ample"

Hairdresser Pippa Wilson, 26, Richmond Park Road, Charminster, feels that the security measures are ‘ample’ but a necessity. “It’s really important for our country” she says.

Miss Luard: "Bit OTT?"

Performer Jenny Luard, 24, Magdalene Road, Durham, thinks the intensity of the checks are a wise move, although she admits feeling uncomfortable when having to go through so many. “From past experience it can be a bit OTT, but I guess it’s for a good cause.”