Hanoi youths use traffic cameras for social media photos

The 24-year-old explained that this has become a "hot trend" among young people since they discovered the iHanoi app, a digital platform that provides real-time images from traffic cameras installed around the city.

Instead of using the app to monitor traffic conditions, Ha and her friends use it to capture images of themselves while on the move. She says: "On days when we get home late, the group gathers to shoot photos and videos. It’s fun to check in on familiar routes we take to work."

To capture the perfect shot in a variety of poses, the group usually stops for five to 10 minutes, sometimes longer.

A group of young people paused to take photos at a traffic camera on Trieu Quoc Dat Street, Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District, at 11 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nga

Anh Tuan has also embraced the trend, frequently inviting friends to join him.

The 20-year-old from Cau Giay District, who used to take selfies at convenience stores or on highways, says he enjoys this new form of social media tagging, seeking out camera spots to take photos. "I think the app is fun. People can share images from the app on social media to show that they are following the traffic laws."

The trend has become popular on social media. Thousands of searches using keywords like "traffic camera check-in" and "iHanoi check-in" have been recorded, with some TikTok videos on this attracting nearly half a million views.

At 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 5, VnExpress observed dozens of young people line up to take photos at a traffic camera installed in front of the National Maternity Hospital on Trieu Quoc Dat Street in Hoan Kiem District.

A local resident, who does not want to be named, says young people have been gathering at the hospital entrance for over a week, with a few showing up during the day but mostly between 9 p.m. and midnight. "Some stay for a long time to take photos. There are even groups of three or four motorbikes stopping to dance and film for TikTok, which disrupts hospital traffic and congests the road."

Trinh Tat Thang, deputy chief of staff at the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, says the behavior is not recommended due to safety risks and obstruction of traffic. According to Thang, the busiest spots are where cameras provide clear images of people’s faces. "Under the law, stopping or parking motorbikes in the middle of the road is a violation, and offenders can be fined VND300,000-400,000 (US$12-16)."

He says iHanoi is meant to allow the public to monitor traffic conditions and plan their commutes accordingly. But he acknowledges that this reflects the creativity of young people in today’s digital age. The district has posted videos telling people to be safe and respectful while taking photos and avoid crowded streets.

The city is trialing the installation of high-definition cameras at some iconic Hanoi landmarks to enable young people to safely shoot photos while showcasing the city's beauty.

"We are currently trialing the first camera at the Hanoi Moi newspaper headquarters, with photos featuring the iHanoi logo," Thang said. "The cameras are angled toward the pavement to offer safe and convenient spots for people to stop." He hopes the app will help promote Hanoi’s beauty to tourists while eliminating the dangerous practice of taking photos in the middle of the road.

On the evening of Sept. 5 Dieu Ly, 23, tries to take a photo at a traffic camera spot in Hoan Kiem District, but finds the experience frustrating, having to wait in the street for her turn.

She says parking her motorbike elsewhere and taking pictures of herself diminishes the excitement, but the congestion caused by motorbikes stopping in the street inconveniences others. She eventually gives up, saying: "I don’t want to [do something] that’s unsafe and disruptive."

Hoang Minh, 30, is not a fan of this trend, and says the app should be used strictly for traffic safety purposes. "This app is not meant for taking social media images. People should use it to check for traffic jams or use it for its intended purpose, without inconveniencing other road users."