"Zero-tolerance Policy at O'Hare and Midway"

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Expect tighter airport security 
By Joseph Ryan
The Chicago (IL) Daily Herald

  
If you're traveling this Fourth of July, authorities are asking you to keep
an eye out for suspicious behavior.

But if you are at O'Hare or Midway airports, don't take your eyes off your
car.

Those picking up or dropping off fliers at O'Hare and Midway have been
hounded by tow trucks that swoop in and cart away autos left unattended,
however briefly. Chicago police officers bark at cars to keep them moving,
and drivers who balk get a ticket slapped on the windshield.

"We have established a zero-tolerance policy both in and around the
airport," said Chicago aviation spokeswoman Wendy Abrams. "No long goodbyes
at the airport this week."

Vehicles also are subject to random searches.

The tighter security is in response to the failed car bomb attacks last week
at the Glasgow, Scotland, airport and London. U.S. authorities say there
have been no credible threats on American targets.

Regardless of those attacks, security also will be tighter on Metra and CTA
trains because of the holiday.

Both are running on holiday schedules today and expecting heavier loads for
Fourth of July travel and the Taste of Chicago downtown.

Riders should expect to see more security dogs and personnel at stations.

"The only thing we are asking of our passengers is continued vigilance,"
said Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet.

Air travelers should keep a look out for odd behavior as well, Abrams said.
O'Hare and Midway will be packed throughout the week. Fourth of July travel
is up 5 percent this year at both airports, Abrams said.

"If you see something, say something," she said.

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