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All 4,500 workers at the 2012 games will have their iris scanned and fingerprints taken to prevent terrorists getting on the Olympic site. The cutting-edge biometric hand and eyeball scanners will be deployed at every venue, bridge and road in the area and take 3D pictures of workers palm and iris to ensure staff are who they say they are. In the past people with direct or indirect terrorist connections have been found working on the tube and at airports. Olympic Delivery Authority chairman John Armitt said the scanners would "ensure the security the Olympic Park." Explaining the technology, he said: "Access controls utilising the latest technology will enable properly authorised, equipped and trained workers to enter and leave the Olympic Park as quickly and safely as possible." The total security cost of the 2012 games is estimated at £1.5bn. Additional security measures at the site include: Replacing temporary hoardings with a substantial perimeter fence similar to that at the Glastonbury festival. Searching all people and vehicles entering the site. UK Border Agency officers checking visas and passports of all workers.
"Years of experience"
Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: "The UK has years of experience in both tackling terrorism and hosting major sporting and cultural events. Ensuring the construction phase of the games is safe and secure is a key part of our preparations for London 2012. "We are using cutting-edge technology to make sure the workforce and infrastructure continue to be protected."
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