Access Control
& Security Systems

An alliance of 39 U.S. airport directors has petitioned DOT Secretary Norman Y. Mineta to seek legislative relief from the Dec. 31 deadline for 100 percent screening of checked baggage with Explosives Detection System (EDS) equipment.

In a letter to Mineta, the officials say: "We are concerned that any interim or modified solution designed to meet this deadline will result in a less than optimal approach to security, will create unacceptably long lines for the traveling public and will result in an unnecessarily expensive solution."

The directors asked that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implement EDS on an airport-by-airport basis, "taking into account technology improvements that we believe are on the immediate horizon."

"We cannot make the significant terminal modifications that will be necessary to accommodate the necessary machines and manpower by the Dec. 31 deadline. In contrast to a more thoughtful and integrated system, we do not favor hurried installations of EDS machines -- at those few places where any space is even available -- that promise to disrupt passenger flows and further increase the hassle of air travel," the letter says.

Mineta maintains the machines will be in place and on time. According to a statement by Transportation Department spokesperson Chet Lunner, Mineta "is dead set about meeting the letter of the law."

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