SHANGHAI - To keep troublemakers out of the city during Expo 2010 Shanghai, new security equipment has been installed at highway checkpoints on the outskirts of the city.
| ||||
Checkpoint officials examine the ID cards of all drivers and passengers entering the city in vehicles without Expo passes issued by the government.
The latest equipment has helped checkpoint officials deal with the increased workload.
Qiu Huiyun, an official with the Fengjing checkpoint, is most impressed by the spike strips that are capable of puncturing the tires of any vehicles that try to break through checkpoints.
The strips are light enough to be put in place in five seconds. They can also be activated within 50 meters through the use of a remote control. Lines of steel spikes pop up instantly after a button on the remote control is pressed, according to Qiu.
"Now it's impossible for anyone to force their way through the checkpoints," he said.
About 36,000 vehicles pass through the checkpoint daily.
Other equipment includes a device that can read ID card information electronically. With a single swipe of the card, a LCD screen on the device displays a passenger's detailed personal information, including name, birth date, home address and criminal record. Anyone who seems suspicious will be held for further questioning.
"The device makes the process of checking ID cards more precise and efficient," said Qiu. "It greatly reduces the waiting time, which is the main reason why some people are uncooperative. With it, we can process a 40 passenger bus in 10 minutes."
Highway checkpoints are a crucial part of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's plan for the Expo. The Fengjing checkpoint is now manned 24 hours a day.
Kung fu enthusiast shares Shanghai's inside stories
Say it in Shanghai-Lesson Six
