Eurotunnel Boosts Border Security With Facial Recognition Technology in Anticipation of Brexit

Brexit continues to have unexpected repercussions. Eurotunnel has announced that it will be adding facial recognition technology to the road and rail border between France and the UK, tightening security at the Channel Tunnel with PARAFE E-Gates similar to those already being used in airports around the world. The new PARAFE gates will be delivered through a partnership with IN Groupe, signed under the authority of the French Minister of the Interior.

“With our innovative border control solutions, we provide a powerful and immediately operational response to the security challenges of each state,” said Didier Trutt, the Chairman and CEO of IN Groupe. “Today, we are proud to equip the first non-airport border crossing point in Europe.” 

“In the context of Brexit, Eurotunnel and IN Groupe have taken the lead regarding the important issues of safety and fluidity,” added Xavier Bertrand, the President of the Hauts-de-France region.

The new facial recognition technology will be introduced in multiple phases, beginning with services for coach passengers and a limited number of gates for other travelers. The second phase will involve a broader rollout and include equipment for Eurotunnel’s Flexiplus service.

As with airports, facial recognition is expected to reduce processing and wait times at the border. With the announcement, Eurotunnel becomes the latest border organization to embrace a biometric solution in response to the unexpected Brexit referendum.

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February 14, 2019 – by Eric Weiss