Hanoi plans vehicle restrictions to cut emission in populated areas

The Hanoi People's Committee is soliciting feedback on a draft resolution outlining the criteria and procedures to establish low-emission zones.

Under the proposed plan, vehicles within these designated zones would be required to comply with stringent emission standards. Non-compliant vehicles would either face usage restrictions or be subject to fees.

The draft resolution specifies several types of areas that could qualify as low-emission zones. These include zones with significant economic, cultural, or social activities, densely populated areas, sites for preservation, and regions with potential for tourism development.

Additionally, areas with heavy air pollution due to traffic emissions, adequate infrastructure for low-emission public transport, and the capacity to enforce stricter emission standards are also candidates for low-emission zone designation.

To curb air pollution, Hanoi intends to introduce a phased restriction on motorbikes, culminating in a complete ban in specific districts. The capital is also planning policies to replace old motorbikes that fail to meet safety and emission standards, and encourage the transition from diesel-fueled buses to electric alternatives.

Furthermore, the city aims to promote investments in urban railways, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), monorails and other forms of public transport as part of its broader low-emission strategy. A trial of these low-emission zones is expected to begin early next year.

According to Hanoi People’s Committee, the yearly average concentration of PM2.5, a major air pollutant, exceeded national standards (25 μg/m³) by around twofold in the 2018-2020 period.

Transport is cited as the primary contributor to PM2.5 emissions, accounting for up to 70% of the city’s emissions.

With approximately 8 million vehicles, including 1.5 million cars, the number of personal vehicles in Hanoi is increasing at a rate of about 4.5% per year, according to the Department of Transport.