Beijing formally activated on Tuesday a three-layer security scheme with hundreds of check points to inspect vehicles and people coming into the capital city during the summer Olympics, the municipal Public Security Bureau announced.

Armed police officers carry out safety inspections of vehicles at a check point in Beijing on July 14, 2008. [Photo: cnsphoto]

The Xinhua news agency reported that the first line of defense lies on the expressways and roads that connect Beijing with the neighboring cities and provinces. Police officers will also carry out inspection in the Capital Airport and on the major trains that arrive in Beijing's rail stations.

The second line will be set up in the city's six suburban districts including Mentougou, Fangshan, Shunyi, Tongzhou, Changping and Daxing. The third line will be in the main roads and intersections of the downtown areas.

The major responsibilities of the check points are to search and seize wanted suspects, stolen or robbed vehicles and loots, hazardous goods and people that pose security threats. In case of emergency, the checkpoints will seal off the roads to exclude dangers and trap the suspects.

Before entering the city, those who drive from other provinces or cities should go through the required procedures and get the necessary certificates in accordance with the relevant regulations, the police suggest.

While arriving at a check point, driver of a private car should show the driving license and passengers show their ID cards or other proof of identity. The freight vehicle should provide a list of goods carried on it.

The police also recommend that both locals and tourists from other provinces or countries, when going out in the city, should better bring their proof of identities with them, such as ID cards, driving licenses, or passports, to avoid unnecessary troubles.

Considering the high temperature in summer of Beijing, the expressway checkpoints are equipped with water and sun-stroke relieving medicine to provide services to drivers through the point.

Armed police officers carry out safety inspections of vehicles at a check point in Beijing on July 14, 2008. [Photo: cnsphoto]

Armed police officers carry out safety inspections of vehicles at a check point in Beijing on July 14, 2008. [Photo: cnsphoto]

(CRI July 15, 2008)