BEIJING - Chinese police have been told to target overloaded coaches and unlicensed transportation in a road safety campaign during winter and spring.

Police departments should focus on tourist coaches and passenger buses without permits, as well as countryside microbuses, school vans and cargo trucks, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the traffic management bureau under the Ministry of Public Security.

Police have been told to ensure that all large- and medium-sized passenger vehicles and their drivers pass safety tests before the Spring Festival travel rush.

Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, will fall on January 31. It is the most important Chinese holiday for family reunions, making it a hectic time for the country's public transportation system.

Local police departments will also increase patrols along major routes and conduct thorough checks on all high-risk sections such as blind bends, steep slopes and areas adjacent to water and cliffs.

According to the ministry, overloading, fatigue, driving without a license and illegal road operations will be key targets for the campaign.