ISLAMABAD, Sept 28: The city administration has come up with a plan to regularise the movement of trucks in the capital after realising that an all-out ban on their entry could trigger a destructive spiral of prices of perishable foods, which most of the vehicles bring in to the local markets.

Around 4,000 trucks come to the capital city daily, but their entry was completely banned after last week’s suicide truck bombing at the Marriott Hotel that killed at least 53 people and wounded more than 270 others.

According to rough estimates, out of the total 4,000 vehicles, 2,500 bring in fruits and vegetables, while the remaining transport different eatable items, consumer goods and constructions material.

Similarly, some thoroughfares in Islamabad are used by hundreds of trucks en route for northern regions, especially Galiyat and Azad Kashmir.

Now, the local administration has decided that trucks will be allowed entry to the city only between 10pm and 6am. The heavy vehicles will be categorised as either contracted transport or ordinary transport.

There are some 20 points from where heavy traffic enters the federal capital, and authorities have already set up police checkpoints there to search and clear the vehicles.

Under the new system, truck drivers will have to present their vehicles’ registration books, CNICs and references of the persons for whom they are transporting the goods.

The contracted transport will be allowed entry after showing the permits issued by the secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).

But operators of ordinary transport, who normally do not possess permits, will be able to enter Islamabad only after being cleared by the duty officer in the area, who will verify the vehicle’s destination by contacting the consignee.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (Operation) Ahmad Latif said truckers not having permits would be stopped at the entry points, therefore, they should prefer obtaining permits from the local transport authority.

He gave similar advice to owners of private businesses like catering services, petrol stations, goods forwarding agencies and construction companies.

The senior officer said it was the prime responsibility of the police to protect the lives and property of the public, adding that “every effort will be made to fulfill this obligation”.

SSP Latif also appealed to the citizens to cooperate with the law enforcers and inform Rescue-15 emergency service if they confront any suspicious person, material or activity.