Hanoi to introduce vehicle restrictions at central Sword Lake to tackle pollution

By Vo Hai November 8, 2024 | 03:15 pm PT

Aerial view of the Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Sword Lake and surrounding areas in central Hanoi are set to become the first zones in the city to implement vehicle restrictions as part of an initiative aimed at curbing air pollution.

According to a draft resolution from the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Hoan Kiem District will be the pilot area for a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), with plans for similar zones in other districts by 2031.

The proposed measures are part of Hanoi's broader strategy to reduce pollution. The Hoan Kiem area, encompassing Sword (Hoan Kiem) Lake, the Old Quarter, and surrounding neighborhoods, will be the site of the initial trial, covering more than 145 ha. This trial is expected to begin between 2025 and 2030, after which its effectiveness will be assessed before the restriction is rolled out in other parts of the capital.

Key components of the LEZ include restrictions on high-polluting vehicles, particularly diesel-powered trucks, and prioritizing vehicles that meet certain emission standards. In addition, the LEZ will aim to boost public transportation usage, with a target of at least 45% of all vehicles in the area being public transport, including 100 buses powered by green energy, such as electricity.

Residents and businesses within the LEZ will have a 12-month grace period to comply with the new emissions standards for their vehicles.

From 2031 to 2035, the city will encourage other districts to implement their own LEZs. By 2036, all areas experiencing significant air pollution will be required to allocate resources to establish such zones.

The overarching goal of the LEZ initiative is to significantly reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in the city, which has long struggled with pollution. However, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment has acknowledged several challenges to the plan, including the lack of clear emission standards for motorcycles, which make up the majority of vehicles in Hanoi. Additionally, the city currently lacks a comprehensive system for monitoring vehicle emissions, further complicating policy implementation.

Hanoi, which now has over 8 million vehicles: more than 1.1 million cars and nearly 7 million motorbikes, faces significant challenges in addressing the impact of traffic on air quality. According to the Department of Transport, around 73% of vehicles in the city are over 10 years old.

The draft resolution is expected to be passed at the Hanoi People’s Council meeting in December and will take effect in January 2025.