HCMC collecting road, sidewalk usage fees starting 2024

The move, specified in a report sent from the Department of Transport to the HCMC People's Committee, pending approval from the municipal People's Council, would allow streets and sidewalks to be used for cultural activities, and as parking spaces. Other uses include intermediary locations for trash and construction materials, as well as public service infrastructures.

The fees for street and sidewalk usage are based on average land prices in the areas. For parking, the lowest fees come at VND50,000 and the highest at VND350,000 per m2 per month. Other activities would entail a fee at VND20,000-100,000 per m2.

The fees for street and sidewalk uses are expected to amount to around VND800 billion a year. The money would be added to the national budget to maintain streets and sidewalks.

Fees would be collected starting January 1, 2024. The transport department would collect fees from areas under its management, while fees in other areas would be collected by local authorities.

HCMC currently has 4,869 roads spanning at least 5m wide, with 2,600 roads having no sidewalks. People have frequently been taking up space on the streets and sidewalks for parking and business purposes, affecting traffic and aesthetics.