In message , Recliner
writes
"Edward Cowling London UK" wrote in
message
I had my first experience of the new "Uk Border" style of immigration
at Heathrow last night. After a long journey and 20 minutes in a
holding pattern the last thing you want is 15 minutes in a line. But
that said I have to admit I was impressed. There were about 6 lines f
or EU passports with the new uniformed staff on each line, with a few
heavies lurking in case of trouble. Every passport gets scanned and
they do actually look you over to see the picture is you. Plus I
liked the no nonsense approach.

Yes I could have done without the hassle, but it has to be done and
they seem to be doing a good job of it.

I arrived back at LHR T3 early this morning and didn't see any sign of
the new immigration uniforms. All was as it has been for the last few
months -- friendly, efficient immigration staff in civvies, with no
obvious heavies in evidence and no long delays. It was the same when I
left a few days ago -- exit passport inspection, but no uniforms in
sight.


I unfortunately landed at Terminal 1 last Friday. It is the worst
terminal and does badly need pulling down and rebuilding. Segregation of
incoming and outgoing passengers was often just a piece of tape across
two cones. And the immigration hall had close to 500 or so very weary
and ticked off passengers.

But all the staff were in the new uniforms.

--
Edward Cowling "If it screams it's not food yet !!"