China to tighten checks during travel rush

BEIJING - China on Saturday ordered its police force to tighten safety checks on major roads and at public venues to ensure the public's security as the week-long National Day Holiday draws to an end.

Police checks during the last three days of the holiday, which runs from October 1 to 7, will focus on charter buses as well as speeding, overloading and driver fatigue, said Vice Minister of Public Security Huang Ming at a meeting.

Huang told police to use the media, Internet, mobile phone text messages and electronic screens to publicize traffic safety information and guide traffic flow.

Special efforts should be made in areas where there are severe weather conditions, such as typhoon or haze, he said.

Police were also told to increase patrols at major tourist attractions and venues over the next three days to ensure security.

During the September 30 to October 7 rush in 2012, 794 people were killed and more than 2,400 injured in road accidents. The "Golden Week" combined the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day holidays last year.