Vehicle screening during the Olympics

Anticipating challenging increases in traffic volume, Dstl was funded to assess how effective a range of options would be in improving vehicle screening capacity while maintaining high security standards.

Dstl analysts built computer simulation models of the security procedures at the port. Using these models, the analysts were able to determine the inventions required to achieve the necessary extra capacity.

The results of the analysis enabled the port to maximise efficiency and cost-effectiveness while delivering a thorough, effective vehicle screening process.

With the Olympic period at a successful end, the Port of Dover now plans to use the findings to inform a review of its security processes.

Dstl technical lead Dr Michael Hill said: “We spent a lot of time assessing the processes that the Port already had and explored how best to allocate resources and optimise facilities to improve capacity.

“The Port of Dover welcomed our findings and implemented the recommendations. Although our primary focus was the Olympics, I’m very pleased that the results will continue to provide benefit for the longer term.”