Turkey’s Interior Ministry has issued a circular to all 81 provincial governors ordering heightened security measures for New Year’s Eve.
The measures include increased security in busy venues such as tourist attractions, airports, seaports and public transportation hubs as well in areas of economic, strategic or symbolic importance.
The ministry will also strengthen controls on the production and sale of illegal or counterfeit alcohol and coordinate with relevant institutions.
It will also inspect technical devices such as tachographs, winter tires and bus lighting. After midnight on New Year’s Eve, teams will focus on alcohol checks and take action against drivers with alcohol consumption above the legal limit.
Additional traffic measures will also be implemented in provinces with high tourist density, especially in ski resorts, and teams will take necessary measures to avoid possible traffic congestion on urban and intercity routes.
The ministry will also continue deterrence measures against irregular migration and human smuggling, including passport and document checks, in cooperation with the country’s coast guard and other law enforcement agencies.