ATTOCK, June 21: After unsatisfactory security measures, the National Highway & Motorway Police (NH&MP), were forced to issue security Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) for service areas of Motorways to ensure safety of motorists and commuters during their stopovers, it has been learnt.

Such steps were taken by the NH&MP, when a special surveillance team under the supervision of DIG Motorways in a survey found serious security loopholes and shortcomings at the service areas, which is very essential and mandatory to ensure safety of motorists and commuters during their stopovers, sources disclosed.

As per directive issued by the NH&MP, the SOP includes well-trained security guards armed with Small Machine Guns (SMGs) and wireless sets to be deputed at all service areas under eight hours shift, who should be visible to each other.

At least one suitably located observation post either on top of C-Mart or filling station should be manned with a SMG armed security guard from 8 pm to 8 am in all service areas. The observation post guard should be properly briefed to act boldly and wisely during the course of any criminal attempt in the service areas.It was also observed that the fences of some service areas on Islamabad-Lahore section (M-2) was broken in many locations providing free access to criminals. So immediate repair of such gaps was required in all service areas and the security guard deputed on rear gate should regularly check the fences.

Moreover, the coverage of CCTV cameras with high resolution should be ensured with additional cameras to cover the entire service area. Security alarms shall be installed at various known locations to alert all staff and security guards in case of any emergency.

While no surplus cash shall be kept at any shop, restaurant and filling station. The working staff must have all contact numbers of concerned police and NH&MP’s offices to share rapid information in case of any emergency.

It was advised that all service stations were to be illuminated during night for better vigil to security guards, sources maintained. The NH&MP in its directive have stressed that the NHA should ensure implementation of security SOP in a proper manner as it is very important and necessary to remove the prevailing security’s loopholes at the service areas, sources added.

When contacted, the DIG Motorways Wisal Fakhar Sultan Raja has explained that as per policy, the management of service areas and NHA are responsible for arranging the required security measures for commuter safety in brief or long stopover during their journey on Motorways.