Security checks at Shenzhen's Metro stations would not be a temporary measure for the Universiade, but routine procedure to ensure the safety of passengers, Metro police said.

During the Universiade, security checks would be tightened and every passenger with luggage would be checked, a Shenzhen police news conference was told on June 15th.

Each of the 118 stations on the five Metro lines had at least two X-ray scanners installed to check for explosives, liquids and metals.

A total of 2,800 inspectors had been specially trained and would be employed at Metro stations, police said.

Passengers are restricted from carrying gasoline cans, lighters, chemical and flammable liquids, and explosives on Metro trains.

The restrictions also apply to fruit knives, kitchen knives, scissors and hammers. If a passenger takes a drink to Metro stations, they will be required to sip first before entering the waiting hall.

"Unlike Guangzhou Metro, which rented machines to check passengers for the 2010 Asian Games, Shenzhen has bought the equipment and trained inspectors. This will be routine procedure," said Qiu Yiping, head of a police station in Futian.

Police said safety checks would not hold up passengers because the trains departed at frequent intervals.

Police would not confiscate restricted items but advise passengers to take another form of public transport. Items of commemorative value such as gift knives will be removed and temporarily kept by safety inspectors for owners to return and retrieve them within two hours.(Han Ximin)

Forbidden items

Flammables and explosives: gasoline, diesel oil, kerosene, alcohol, paint, hydrogen peroxide, liquefied gas, hairspray, cleansers, glue, fireworks, dynamite, detonators, calcium carbide, brightening agents and mineral solvents

Knives: fruit knives, kitchen knives, hammers, scissors and daggers

Guns: all types of firearms, ammunition and imitation firearms.