TONY CAREY wants islanders’ to take a stand against the increased security measures at Gatwick. The frequent traveller through the airport has urged passengers to complete and return one or more of the feedback forms that have been provided by the British Airports Authority.

Mr Carey said action must be taken because people were often forced to wait in security queues for long periods.

He added that some travellers had missed flights because of the delays and it was time the airport fixed the problem.

‘I am thoroughly fed up with the unnecessary inconvenience caused by the latest security measures,’ he said.

‘It has now been several months since the stricter rules were introduced and the BAA has had long enough to adapt to the new measures.

‘It has failed to do so and delays of 30 minutes and more are still commonplace at security on departure from the south terminal.’

He said that airport staff were often not prepared for the onslaught of passengers.

‘Frequently, these delays occur because up to half the 10 screening gates are not in use, or because of a failure to predict a rush of passengers, as if weekends were a new phenomenon.

‘I would encourage all islanders who, like me, find these unnecessary queues irritating, demeaning and time-wasting to take action whenever they depart from Gatwick.’

The feedback forms are available from the information counter in the security hall.

‘If enough off us do it and tick the ﾓwould you like a response?ﾔ box, the extra staff time involved might force them to take action to speed up the procedures.

‘Management incompetence is always unacceptable, but when BAA is posting profits in the multi-millions, their disregard for the welfare of their customers is offensive. It’s time we made our voice heard.’

External Transport Group chairman Deputy Bill Bell said he was also concerned about the security measures.

‘I have written to the security people at Gatwick, on behalf of the External Transport Group, expressing concerns. I told them of some of the complaints by business organisation in this island. We are concerned by the difficulties that travellers are experiencing in Gatwick.’

He added that he had not as yet received a reply to his letter.