Heathrow has launched 3D technology in a bit to speed up the process of going through security checks.

The glasses-free scanning system is being trialled in the airport's Terminal 1 and is designed to reduce the number of prohibited items that passengers place in their hand luggage. This in turn is hoped to reduce the amount of time needed to pass through baggage checks as holidaymakers will already know what products are banned and can dispose of them before attempting to have their bags scanned.

It works by showing 3D images of prohibited items, such as scissors, tweezers and liquids over 100ml on large screens, alongside information on how passengers can safely get rid of them in the recycling bins provided. If a bag tries to go through security carrying something that is not permitted, it will be rejected and need manual searching. It is hoped therefore that better-educating holidaymakers will make this process less frequent.

Richard Harding, head of IT innovation at Heathrow, commented: "Helping prepare passengers for security saves them time and reduces the chance of having their bag searched. 3D technology is the latest way to help get this message across."

The new technology will be trialled over the next eight weeks, before a decision is made whether to extend it throughout the rest of the airport.