RIYADH — The Public Transport Authority (PTA) announced the launching of a program to regulate the entry of trucks into the main cities across the Kingdom in a phased manner, saying that it will start implementing the program in the Jeddah city in the first phase. PTA will implement the program in collaboration with the General Directorate of Traffic and the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI). Under the mechanism, entry of trucks into cities will be streamlined through an electronic appointment booking system and that will be at specific and scheduled times. The mechanism will be instrumental in easing the procedures for the detection of violation of regulations on the part of trucks. The entry of trucks into cities during times of prohibition will be monitored through an automated system installed along the main roads in all cities of the Kingdom and punitive measures will be taken accordingly. This mechanism has been designed to contribute to regulating the flow of trucks and preventing them from getting stuck at the entrances of cities, awaiting their turn for the entry. This also aims to raise the level of quality and efficiency of transportation and traffic flow. This program will enable truck drivers transporting goods to have proper movement avoiding traffic congestion in peak hours on the main roads inside cities. It will also contribute to reducing long waiting time for drivers of these trucks, as well as developing operational aspects with facilitating the operation of private companies and establishments in the cargo transportation activity and reducing operational costs. The mechanism will accelerate shipping operations in the cities and regions of the Kingdom, raise the efficiency and quality of operational services for the logistics movement. This is in addition to making available of the necessary reports and analysis of data to the concerned authorities so that they can further improve the goods transportation system and work to achieve targeted economic growth, apart from reducing financial losses for carriers.
