JANUARY 7 is to see tighter hand luggage restrictions, which were introduced in summer 2006 to lighten although liquid restrictions still apply.

All items carried by passengers will still go through X-rays for screening.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly confirmed the news, but stated that it was not about relaxing security. It is thought that individual airports will have to prove they have the necessary screening measures to handle extra cabin luggage if they want the new measure to come into effect.

Kelly said:"We are inviting each airport to submit plans to take advantage of new technology, operational innovations, and unexploited capacity in the system to make a real difference to passengers as soon as possible."