Sydney’s fleet of food trucks will become a permanent fixture following a two year trial run by the City of Sydney.

After strong support from Sydneysiders, and enquiries from more than 600 potential operators, the council last night voted to make its food truck program permanent and encourage even more to get on the road.

The City of Sydney will issue permits for up to 50 innovative operators to take to the streets over the next two years, with a food truck design panel being established to assess the quality of applicants’ vehicle designs and menus.

More locations across the city will also be made available for the trucks to trade.

Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said supporting Sydney’s emerging food truck culture was part of the city’s plan to create a safer and more diverse late-night economy.

“The Sydney Food Trucks program is a great example of how innovative ideas can create a brand new industry and transform the experience of dining after dark,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Not only are the trucks generating new business and creating jobs across the city, they’re also giving Sydneysiders fantastic new late-night dining options that simply didn’t exist a few years ago.

“Over the two year trial period, the trucks have been embraced by locals and visitors alike, and we’ve been swamped with enquiries from potential operators keen to set up their own food truck business.

“We’re delighted to commit our longterm support for this exciting new industry, and look forward to seeing even more trucks hit the streets soon.”

The Sydney Food Trucks trial emerged from the City’s OPEN Sydney consultation program in 2011, when Sydneysiders said they wanted more accessible, affordable and diverse late-night eating options.

Sydney’s food trucks started trading in May 2012. The nine trucks now in operation offer everything from yum cha to gourmet vegetarian burgers, and serve an average of 1,700 customers each every month.

The Sydney Food Trucks app, which launched in October 2012, has been downloaded more than 51,000 times and receives an average 650 visits each day.