Friday, May 30, 2003

Hartsfield responds to higher alert level

Aviation officials reinstated random vehicle inspections at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport last week in compliance with security regulations issued by the Transportation Security Administration. Representatives from the Atlanta Police Department and a private security company will conduct the random vehicle inspections.

Hartsfield personnel began implementing the required security measures May 20, immediately following an increase in the nation's security alert status to Threat Level Orange by The Office of Homeland Security.

As a result of the advisory, the airport has also begun to enforce federal restrictions that prohibit vehicles from parking within 300-feet of the main terminal building. Vehicle areas directly impacted by the mandate are within the North and South Hourly and Daily Lots.

Motorists are encouraged to use Hartsfield's Park-Ride Lots, whose entrances are located prior to the vehicle inspection checkpoints.

Other specific security elements have been put in place that will not be disclosed to the public.