Police have been given the authority to make random security checks of people and vehicles at Tiananmen Square, First.cn reported today.

Unlike in the past, when random security checks were limited to special occasions such as major events and holidays, police will redouble efforts to tighten security in the square, according to a new security regulation approved by the Legal Affairs Office of the Municipal Government of Beijing.

Among the banned items are guns, ammunition, knives, drugs, explosives, radioactive substances and pornography, according to the regulation.

Police will also enhance management at busy places to prevent stampedes and other accidents, the report said.

(Shanghai Daily May 5, 2008)