Science and innovation
Radiation screening at ports and airports
Radiation screening is being introduced at UK Ports and Airports to screen UK bound goods, vehicles and passengers for the illicit importation of radioactive materials.
Programme Cyclamen
The radiation screening capability is part of Programme Cyclamen, a joint programme 
In April 2003, it was agreed to begin routine screening at ports and airports for the illicit movement of radioactive materials.
Programme Cyclamen is part of sensible counter-terrorist resilience planning and dovetails into the existing emergency planning arrangements.
Introducing the equipment at ports and airports
Fixed and mobile radiation detection equipment is being introduced at ports and airports. Air, sea and Channel Tunnel traffic entering the UK will be subject to screening, including container and road freight, post and fast parcels, vehicles and passengers.
The equipment is entirely passive and is able to detect radiation emitted from the vehicle or object being examined. The equipment does not emit radiation itself. Any object or person passing through the detection system will be unaffected.
The majority of vehicles, freight, cargo and or passengers selected for examination will be dealt with quickly and with minimal impact on the flow of traffic.
If an illicit source is suspected or found, specialist authorities will be on hand to ensure that these incidents are dealt with quickly and safely, minimising the risk to the public.
Mobile radiation detection
To complement the fixed equipment, Mobile Radiation Detection Units (MRDUs) are being deployed. These units have been developed with assistance from specialist agencies and will be used for both HMRC and Police operations.
The livery on the sides of the vehicles can be adapted to identify the agency responsible for deployment.
Tried and tested
Screening equipment was successfully tested at three major ports in 2002. Other countries, including the USA, Russia and Finland, already use similar equipment and procedures.
Natural radiation
Some sources of radiation may be carried legally, such as radiation produced by medical treatments. There are also other common items such as foodstuffs, fertilisers cement and ceramics which naturally emit radiation.
The screening equipment is sophisticated enough to identify a wide variety of radioactive sources so that legitimate importations can pass through quickly.
Who is responsible
The Home Office has the lead responsibility for the implementation of this programme at ports and airports. HM Revenue & Customs are responsible for operating the equipment at points of entry and for the initial detection of any imported radiological or nuclear material.
In line with existing arrangements, all serious incidents and criminal activity will be dealt with by the Police.
