The Challenge
Between April 2017 and March 2018, Border Force cleared 68,893 coaches entering the UK via sea and rail ports. Projections indicate that by 2030, over 450 million people and 960 million tonnes of freight will enter the UK, putting increasing pressure on border checks.
Border Force is tasked with screening every individual crossing the UK border, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, often resulting in long queues for passengers and vehicles.
A significant challenge lies in the processing of cars and coaches at sea and rail ports, where all passengers currently disembark and undergo separate checks.
JSaRC was tasked with finding a solution that could streamline this process, helping Border Force improve customer experience while reducing the time taken to clear vehicles at rail and sea border crossings.
Solutions Implemented
Following a successful call for industry input, JSaRC organized a demonstration of two innovative security solutions at the 2018 Security & Policing Event. This live immersive experience allowed visitors to interact with the technologies being trialed, providing a firsthand look at potential solutions.
The trials aimed to demonstrate how advanced technology could enable faster, more secure processing of vehicles and passengers, integrating real-time data checks against border security databases. The goal was to eliminate bottlenecks at border entry points, reducing wait times and improving overall efficiency.
Current processes require all inbound passengers to have their passports manually scanned, limiting throughput and making large-scale processing inefficient. While emerging technologies show promise, their adoption has been slow due to a lack of understanding of their practical applications in real-world scenarios.
Results
The demonstration successfully highlighted how innovative security technologies could reduce processing times and alleviate border congestion without compromising security.
The trials, which took place in late 2018, provided valuable insights into the potential of these solutions to enhance border clearance. Industry partners, government agencies, and Border Force all benefited from the opportunity to see the technologies in action and understand how they could streamline operations.
Outcomes
The raised awareness of available security solutions and their practical applications marked a key success of the trials. Border Force gained a clearer understanding of how automated data-sharing systems could improve decision-making and streamline border crossing procedures.
The trials also provided important feedback on Border Force’s future procurement strategies for maritime and rail port systems, highlighting how these technologies align with mobile initiatives and long-term border management objectives.
This collaboration between JSaRC, industry, and Border Force sets the stage for a more efficient and secure future for UK border crossings.
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