The UK’s Department for Transport has announced new hand baggage policies.

The UK’s Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, has announced new developments in hand baggage restrictions at UK airports.

Under the new policies, airports will be able to apply to the Department for Transport to ask permission to allow passengers more than one bag as hand luggage. Airports will have to prove that they have appropriate resources to be able to deal with the extra luggage, though current restrictions on liquids and baggage size will remain.

In a statement to Parliament, Ruth Kelly, said: “We were clear from the beginning that the one-bag rule was a temporary arrangement – and that the one-bag rule would change once the industry had demonstrated its ability to screen passengers and bags to an acceptable standard, in the light of the new threat.

“This is not about relaxing security. It’s about allowing airports to take advantage of smarter technologies and improved processes to deliver a better service to the passenger.”

Visit London – the city’s official visitor organisation – has welcomed the news. James Bidwell, Visit London’s Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the government’s decision to reverse the restrictions on hand luggage for passengers. Whilst we accept that security must be the primary consideration for policy-makers, limiting baggage to one piece does not fit with the procedures of other airports across Europe and has placed London at a competitive disadvantage.

“In addition to passenger confusion, feedback from the capital’s tourism industry was that the policy was detrimental to repeat trips and short-term business travellers were increasingly considering other European airport hubs to avoid London.”

The earliest date that airports can introduce the new policy is 7 January 2008.