Transport Security and Contingencies team: frequently asked questions

Q. How do I become a listed agent?

You will need to provide us with your full name and address, including the name of your company. You will then be sent a letter with an information pack and application form. The information pack will tell you all the details you need to know in order to become a listed agent. Please fax your details to 020 7944 2170.

Q. How do I apply for TRANSEC security course?

Please read the information and advice under Aviation or Maritime, Rail and Channel Tunnel training sections. You will then need to print and complete the Application form for attendance at security courses run by the Department returning the form to us either by post or fax to the address above. Please read the explanatory notes attached to application form carefully. NB. You are also advised to obtain the advice of the Security Manager for your organisation before applying.

Q. How do I become an approved air cargo security trainer?

You are advised to read the section air cargo security training which will provide you with information and guidance concerning this.

Q. Is it safe to travel from the UK at present?

The UK transport security programmes are amongst the most demanding in the world. So although no absolute guarantees can ever be given, travelling from the UK by air, sea or rail is as safe as travelling from anywhere.

Q. What about recent press reports highlighting weaknesses in security?

We take any alleged breaches of security very seriously. We make sure we find out exactly what happened and why and, where appropriate, make changes to policy and/or procedures to seek to prevent a recurrence.

But security measures have to take account of passenger convenience and expectations. We cannot impose absolute security if people want to continue to travel with reasonable comfort and convenience.

We are grateful for people bringing apparent weaknesses to our attention. But we do not think it is helpful for the media to highlight alleged weaknesses that may tempt those with more questionable motives to seek to exploit them.

Q. Who pays for transport security in the UK?

The costs of security measures required by the Government are met by the industries. In most cases the costs are eventually passed on to the passenger in the ticket price.

Q. Why doesn't the Government pay for security - especially the new requirements introduced since 11 September 2001?

The Government believes that industry should meet all its running costs, including those relating to security. It does not think it is appropriate for the general taxpayer to subsidise those who travel by air, sea or rail.

The Government has made available a £40 million package of compensation to the aviation industry in respect of costs incurred through the 4-day ban on flights to the USA following the 11 September attacks.

Q. Why doesn't the Government ban the carriage of glass bottles on flights from the UK?

The list of items prohibited from airport restricted zones (including items for sale), and therefore from cabin baggage also, was extended following the attacks in the USA on 11 September, and is more extensive than most other countries.

Such a list can never be exhaustive, however, and airport managers and aircraft operators have discretion as to what they regard as a potentially dangerous item. We recognise this may lead to potential inconsistencies, but we are trying to seek a balance between security and the reasonable demands and expectations of travellers. The prohibition of all glass and similar items would be impractical.