Image Scan Holdings Regulatory News (IGE)

30 Jun 2008 07:00

30 June 2008

Image Scan Holdings plc

("Image Scan" or "the Company")

UK Government announces deployment of new x-ray search technology for London Underground and National Railway

Image Scan, specialist in the field of real-time 3D and 2D x-ray imaging for the 'Homeland Security' and 'Industrial Inspection' markets, is pleased to advise further developments in its ongoing collaboration with the British Transport Police (BTP). 

Tom Harris, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, reported on 26 June 2008, that as a result of screening trials and in response to the continuing terrorist threat to the rail network, BTP is introducing enhancements to its current screening capability. This includes x-ray equipment and explosive detection dogs capable of screening moving passengers. 

These enhancements build on the BTP's existing measures to screen a proportion of passengers and their bags, with minimal delay.

The revolutionary mobile x-ray system being used has been developed by Image Scan's operating subsidiary 3DX-RAY Ltd, together with BTP. Based around the company's portable TPXi-Flatscan digital x-ray system, it offers both speed and the clearest x-ray security images available on any system of its type- not only can it detect components down to the millimetre scale but it can differentiate between materials, such as plastic explosives and the metals used in guns, knives and other threats. Portable baggage scanners are initially being deployed in London, making it the first city in the world to protect its commuters with airport-baggage scanner style technology.

BTP Superintendent Phil Trendall said: "The public recognise the threat to the rail network, and are broadly supportive of the need for security measures. A 100 per cent airport-style screening is not possible on the rail network due the sheer volume of passengers on the network and the delays such extensive screening would have. However, with the use of these x-ray machines and new additional specialist trained search dogs, we are able to screen passengers in a manner that is proportionate to the ongoing security risk, and with minimal disruption to their journey."

Nick Fox, CEO of Image Scan, commented "Using our TPXi technology to create a portable baggage-style scanner offers our security forces a substantial edge. Both UK and US Governments recently carried out scanner trials at major railway stations but they proved easy to avoid. Potential terrorists simply avoid the screening by finding a different exit or using another station. These mobile scanners can be set up very quickly without warning. Consequently terrorists will no longer be able to plan ways to avoid them".

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Image Scan Holdings plc  Tel: +44 (0) 1664 503 600

Gilbert Chalk, Chairman

Nicholas Fox, CEO

info@ish.co.uk

Bishopsgate Communications Ltd  Tel: +44 (0) 207 562 3350

Jenni Herbert 

Seymour Pierce Tel: +44 (0) 207 107 8000

Sarah Jacobs

About Image Scan Holdings plc 

Image Scan Holdings plc (AIM: IGE) is focused on the development and commercialisation of market leading real-time 3D and 2D x-ray solutions for use in the global industrial and security inspection markets. The company's industrial inspection solutions include the MDXi unit and the X-Line systems. The security portfolio includes a unique 3D baggage inspection system for corporate and airport security and TPXi, a portable bomb and suspect package detection system. 

Current Technology Portfolio

The Company's portfolio currently comprises the following x-ray inspection systems: AXIS-3D®; X-LINE; MDXi-400™; TPXi-675™; and the DEX™ x-ray vision engine for OEM applications.

For further information on the Company, please visit: www.ish.co.uk - and for further information on its products, please visit: www.3dx-ray.com