Security checks at transport hubs up a notch as expo nears

SECURITY is being tightened on public transport, while restrictions have been put on aircraft and lethal chemicals, ahead of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

The measures were introduced yesterday and will be in force until November 12. The expo will be held from November 5 to 10.

All Metro passengers will have their bags scanned during non-peak hours, police said, and those who “deliberately avoid or break through security checks” will be punished.

So far this year, more accurate X-ray scanners at 60 security check points in 17 Metro stations have discovered about 21,000 dangerous items in 170 million bags.

That is a 55 percent increase from the same period last year, according to the police.

Passengers separated

Also, 44 Metro stations have enabled passengers with no or smaller bags to pass without being subject to security checks during rush hours by separating them from other passengers at checkpoints.

Meanwhile, bus companies are required to step up safety inspections at terminals and during trips.

They must also ensure that all buses are equipped with functioning fire extinguishers, emergency escape hammers and surveillance cameras.

Those measures will be stressed for the 90 regular buses and eight special and temporary shuttle buses which pass the National Exhibition and Convention Center.

At the city’s 27 long-distance bus terminals, all passengers arriving from out of town will be subject to strict security checks with their luggage scanned.

Railway police have announced random security checks on passengers arriving at the city’s three major railway terminals.

Police reiterated the citywide ban on the unauthorized use of drones during the period and called for companies and individuals who own drones to register their devices with police.

Anyone flying drones without permission from the air force, civil aviation authorities or the meteorological bureau will have their drones temporarily seized by the police.

They could also face administrative punishments or criminal charges.

Along with drones, the “low, slow and small aircraft” covered by the ban include those which fly at an altitude up to 500 meters, at a speed under 200 kilometers per hour and a radar cross section under 2 square meters.

That includes light and ultra light airplanes, light helicopters, gliders, airships, model planes, hot air balloons and tethered balloons.

The government has also banned the transport of all guns and ammunition, civil explosives, lethal chemicals and radioactive isotopes within the city from November 2 to 11.

This does not apply to certain indispensable lethal chemicals and medical radioactive medicines.

Police said companies which have to transport lethal chemicals during the period have to be registered at the government’s economy and information commission.

They must then apply for a permit from the police.