Helicopters used to control holiday traffic

GUANGZHOU - Traffic police in South China's Guangdong province will use helicopters and bicycles to direct traffic with heavy congestion likely during the upcoming holidays.

Three helicopters and more than 500 bicycles equipped with loudspeakers will be used during the Mid-Autumn and National holidays that runs from Sept 30 to Oct 7, Zeng Tao, deputy chief of the provincial traffic management bureau, said at a press conference.

The flow of traffic on expressways is estimated to increase by 40 to 80 percent compared with the same period last year, after the country lifted road tolls for cars using highways during major Chinese holidays, the bureau said.

According to the bureau, a survey showed more than 80 percent of passenger car owners plan road trips during the holiday, possibly leading to severe congestion on highways.

For safety reasons, chemical-contained vehicles and trucks over 15 tonnes will not be allowed on expressways during the eight days.

Traffic police have had their holidays called off during the holiday period with 24-hour patrols being carried out.