City apologizes for road closures

WENZHOU - The information office of a city government in East China's Zhejiang province on Thursday responded to public criticism over a road closure during the local annual legislative sessions.

The office said the Public Security Bureau of Wenzhou city will accept public criticism and supervision with an open mind, after the bureau closed Xiushan Street, where the Great Hall of People is located, for the sessions held there from Jan 18 to 22.

To ensure the safety of those attending the meeting and to curb traffic impediments on the road during the meeting period, Xiushan Street was closed to public traffic and buses from 8 pm on January 17 to 6 pm on Jan 20.

Only meeting vehicles were allowed to use the road while the traffic controls were in place.

Some netizens complained about the traffic controls on Wednesday, saying the move was "openly against the central government".

Late last year, China's top leadership launched a new wave of efforts to cut costs and reduce bureaucratism, especially hoping to curb officials' extravagances that inconvenience the people. Floral arrangements, red carpet welcomes and traffic controls should not be present at the annual sessions of China's local legislatures and political advisory bodies.

The city government held an emergency meeting on Wednesday night to determine how to respond to the public criticism and tackle the issue.

The public security bureau said it will improve traffic control measures around the region, as well as maintain normal traffic order and reduce inconveniences during some major events.

Xiushan street, about 400 meters long, was built as an open square in front of the Great Hall of the People. Though usually used as a regular road for traffic, it can be used for parking when important, large-scale activities are held at the hall.