Case Studies - Security

The flow of clandestines into Western Europe and across its national borders is a significant political issue today. QinetiQ has applied its expertise in passive imaging technology to develop Borderwatch®, a 24-hour, 7-day, all-weather vehicle scanner that safely scans trucks for unauthorised passengers.

The technology was originally developed by QinetiQ to allow soldiers to see through thick fog. Borderwatch® systems have been used since September 2001 at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles, France and more recently in Calais, Zeebrugge and the German border.

Monitoring up to 350 trucks every hour, Borderwatch® has detected thousands of clandestine travellers intending to make a free passage to the United Kingdom.

QinetiQ's track record convinced us that the team could deliver a solution to meet tight timescales. The QinetiQ team managed the risks, and our expectations, well. They also took it in their stride when our priorities changed.
Paula Assheton,
Deputy Director,
Border Control, UK Immigration Service