Port of Felixstowe to introduce haulier ID cards
The United Kingdom’s largest port, the Hutchison-operated port of Felixstowe, plans to improve security at its terminals by introducing an identity card scheme for hauliers.
The Road Haulier Identity System (RHIDES) will initially be tested with a group of volunteers in January, with full implementation expected later in the year.
The identity card will contain the haulier’s name and a biometric hand-scan. Upon arrival at the port, the haulier will place the card into a reader and a hand onto a biometric scanner. If a valid card is presented, the port’s gate system will record the number against the container's and allows the haulier entry into the restricted area of the terminal.
“As part of the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, we have been introducing a series of measures at the port of Felixstowe to enhance security and tighten access controls, particularly to the terminals,” said Chris Lewis, chief operating officer of the port of Felixstowe.
“As hauliers represent the largest group of visitors to the port, making up to some 4,000 movements in and out each day, it is essential that we look at ways of recording their comings and goings, without adding to the time taken to process them through the gates,” Lewis added.
Hauliers can register their interest in obtaining the identity cards by visiting http://www.rhides.com .