Hanoi to trial ban of large vehicles in central district

The Hanoi People's Committee has approved the Department of Transport's proposal for the trial. The restriction applies to all vehicles exceeding 16 seats, except for buses and school transport.

Both areas, located next to each other in Hoan Kiem District in the city's center, are among the city's most congested zones.

The trial will take effect from March 1, with restricted hours set from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the morning and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the evening. After six months, authorities will evaluate the measure's effectiveness before deciding on its future implementation.

To ensure smooth transportation for residents and tourists, the city will establish four transfer hubs on A Trieu, Tran Nhat Duat, Phung Hung streets, and in the Dong Xuan Market area. The transfer vehicles will be environmentally friendly, operating without fossil fuels.

According to the Department of Transport, restricting large vehicles will help ease congestion in the Old Quarter, particularly during peak hours. The measure is also expected to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and enhance public health while preserving the district's livability.

During a mid-2024 meeting ahead of a city council session, Hoan Kiem District voters voiced concerns about large vehicles—particularly 16- to 45-seat tour buses—causing severe traffic bottlenecks in the mornings and evenings.

Hanoi's Old Quarter, a historic district at the city's heart, is known for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, each traditionally dedicated to a specific trade—such as silk, gold, or food. Lined with small shops and bustling markets, the area also features classic Vietnamese architecture, including tiled roofs and "tube houses" dating back to the Ly and Tran dynasties (1009–1400 AD).

For several years, Hanoi authorities have designated weekend pedestrian zones in the Old Quarter and around the Hoan Kiem Lake, banning motorized traffic from Friday to Sunday in the evenings.