WUHAN -- Facial recognition has been implemented as a means of identification for traffic issues in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.

The metropolitan traffic management bureau Tuesday updated its online service platform to use a combination of facial recognition and big data technology.

The platform will simplify the procedures of over 130 traffic-related services, including those related to vehicles, driving licenses and traffic offences, so that residents can scan their face instead of providing their ID for identification purposes.

The face scanning technology is safe and takes just a few milliseconds, according to Tan Wei, a traffic management official. It saves a digital photograph so that applicants do not need to provide physical photographs when applying for a driving license.

The platform will also be used for case investigation, as it can help police officers locate suspects.