Beijing slaps ban on flights of fancy

Source: Xinhua  |   2009-9-16  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

BEIJING has widened a ban on flying activities to include pigeon racing and kite flying in its latest efforts to beef up security ahead of National Day celebrations.

The ban, effective from yesterday until October 8, applies to sports, recreational and advertising flight activities in the capital.

Li Runhua, head of the public security squadron of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, said people were banned from releasing pigeons and flying kites and balloons.

Li encouraged residents to report to police if they see suspicious flying objects.

Police started to check every vehicle entering Beijing at nearly 200 major road intersections and security check points yesterday.

Police will check drivers' and passengers' ID and confiscate imitation guns, fireworks and knives until October 8.

More than 7,000 police have patrolled the city's major roads and CBD since August 22.