US, UK to speed travel for trusted foreigners

LONDON - Officials from Britain's Home Office say they are working on plans to make border crossings faster for trusted travelers journeying between Britain and the United States.

Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne says British and U.S. officials are studying how fingerprinting, iris scanning or facial recognition systems might be used in setting up a speedy border channel for frequent travelers.

The plan would expand on Britain's existing iris recognition system. More than 200,000 British residents have signed up for the program. It makes it quicker for those who have pre-registered to return to Britain after traveling abroad.

The plans announced Wednesday did not envision a timetable for the project's implementation. - AP

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