BEIJING - The Ministry of Transport announced Friday that local traffic authorities will enhance safety checks and be vigilant for traffic security during the upcoming seven-day National Day Holiday that starts Saturday.

Ministry spokesman He Jianzhong said the ministry will order local traffic bureaus to step up safety inspections for long-distance buses, and bus companies are also encouraged to halt overnight buses.

Local traffic departments will also strengthen checks on dangerous items and prevent them from being getting onboard the buses.

Traffic guards will be ordered to enhance monitoring of overloaded vehicles and prevent them from traveling across bridges that cannot bear the weight.

The ministry also said that it will dispatch 10,000 workers and more than 1,200 rescue boats to aid maritime traffic security. In addition, 21 specialized helicopters are available for rescue operations.