Shenzhen will install luggage scanners on all Metro lines before the Universiade, which opens on Aug 12 next year.
Scanners have been installed at Huaqiangbei Station on Metro Line 1, which has been chosen to pilot the security checks in view of its heavy passenger traffic and restricted space, the Daily Sunshine reported Thursday (Aug 5). The luggage scanners are the same as those installed at Shenzhen International Airport.
The scanners have detected a variety of contraband goods since they started operating in mid-July, a station security guard told the Daily. More than 20 security guards at Metro stations have been trained in the use of the scanners at the airport and by the manufacturer.
Large items of luggage must go through the scanners while small bags will be subject to random checks.
Passengers refusing a security check will not be allowed to board trains.
The Metro scanners were state-of-the-art and would not affect daily commuters or boarding, the city public security bureau said.
The bureau would draw on the experience of the pilot station and install scanners at all Metro stations in the months ahead of the Games.
The city government was drafting regulations on Metro security management, the Daily said.
Beijing was the first city in the world to conduct security checks on Metro lines for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Shanghai has imposed tight security checks on its Metro grid for the 2010 World Expo.
(By Li Hao)
