Toughened security in Madrid for New Year celebrations

MADRID, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish capital of Madrid will reinforce security for the forthcoming New Year celebrations in order to prevent any possible terror attack.

Last August in Barcelona, a man ploughed his van into crowds of tourists, killing 14 people.

The extra security measures in Madrid include tougher security surveillance including the use of traffic cameras, and traffic restrictions including banning lorries and vans from running in the city center during the New Year celebrations and the Three Kings' Parade on Jan. 5.

Local authorities have also decided to reduce the number of people from 25,000 to 20,000 at the emblematic Plaza del Sol in central Madrid to hear the New Year's bell ring.

Stricter security checks will also be introduced at the plaza, with no glass bottles, fireworks, flags or flagpoles to be allowed into the area.

In addition, exit routes will be clearly marked in areas around the Sol metro and railway station in the case of a need for a rapid evacuation of the celebrating crowds.

A police helicopter is expected to watch over the Plaza del Sol, sending live images to a security control center in the nearby Cibeles Palace. Enditem