Downtown HCMC faces 17% rise in traffic congestion ahead of Tet

By Gia Minh January 14, 2025 | 03:00 am PT

Flows of vehicles are seen at the Nam Ky Khoi Nghia-Nguyen Dinh Chieu intersection in HCMC's District 3, Jan. 12, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Traffic congestion in downtown Ho Chi Minh City has surged by 17% as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, driven by increased travel demands and new traffic behaviors following a recent decree on traffic violations.

During a Monday meeting on HCMC traffic, Bui Hoa An, vice director of the Department of Transport, reported a 17% uptick in congestion across several downtown areas of the southern metropolis, based on survey data. Vehicle flow on city roads has risen by up to 11.4% compared to the previous period, particularly in central zones, Binh Thanh District and near Tan Son Nhat Airport.

The spike in traffic is attributed to heightened travel and shopping activities, alongside numerous events and festivals leading up to Tet, which have necessitated vehicle restrictions on certain routes. The nine-day holiday peaks on Jan. 29.

Decree 168, implemented from Jan. 1 and imposing higher fines for various traffic violations, has prompted drivers to exercise greater caution, especially when making right turns at red lights. However, increased vehicle density and closely spaced intersections have led to longer periods of congestion.

In response, the transport department is collaborating with traffic police to adjust traffic light signals at various times of the day to alleviate congestion. Additionally, signs permitting right turns at 131 intersections during red lights have been installed.

Nguyen Thanh Loi, deputy head of the HCMC Traffic Safety Committee, noted that traffic behavior has significantly improved since the decree took effect. Previously, not all drivers adhered to traffic signals during rush hours, and many committed violations such as improper lane changes and riding vehicles on pavements, he said.

Nguyen Dinh Duong, vice director of the HCMC police, stated that traffic accidents in the city have decreased by 24% since the decree was enacted. He also highlighted a substantial reduction in traffic violations.

"The city’s police are deploying forces to traffic hotspots and coordinating remotely to limit vehicle density, thereby reducing congestion," Duong added. He mentioned that surveillance camera systems are being utilized to address traffic issues effectively.