Beijing underscores safety in preparations for Olympics
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-29 14:30

BEIJING, December 29 (Xinhua) -- Beijing, host of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, has stepped up security measures to ensure safety in the run-up to the event, according to the local police.

The city will release regulations next year to spell out traffic control measures, behaviors at Olympic venues and how to handle emergencies, said Ma Zhenchuan, chief of Beijing Public Security Bureau and vice coordinator for security work during the Beijing Olympics.

The temporary regulations will only apply to Beijing during the event, he said, adding that the city has invited more than 50 Chinese and foreign experts on security work and quality services.

Beijing plans to build a security headquarters, composed of a traffic control center, two fire stations and a police bureau. Construction of these facilities will start in April and be completed by the end of 2007.

Next year, a new security system that will categorize all Olympic venues into A, B, C and D, based on the number of spectators and the nature of the event, will be implemented to ensure ample security personnel and adequate measures are deployed.

The system will be tested next year in big sporting events such as the China Open and Beijing 2006 World Junior Championships.

The security coordination team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics has consulted some former host cities, international security agencies and 75 relevant organizations from 12 countries on organization, traffic control, security and information technology for the games. Last month, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Greece on security cooperation during the 2008 event.