Hanoi residents gradually adjust to low-emission zone rules

The capital started piloting the low-emission zone in the historic Hoan Kiem Ward on July 1.

In the trial, Hanoi bans vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, from entering the zone between 7:00 pm and midnight every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The trial zone covers several streets, including Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Buom, Ma May, Hang Bac, Hang Mam, Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, and Ngo Quyen.

According to Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper reporter’s observations, after one month of implementation, residents have gradually become familiar with the policy and have largely complied with the prohibition on vehicles entering the designated area.

At 7:00 pm, enforcement teams begin taking their positions at checkpoints, setting up barriers, and installing signs prohibiting vehicles from entering the low-emission zone.

People travelling from outside the area and wishing to enter are instructed to park their vehicles at designated parking locations.

Meanwhile, residents who live within the zone are allowed to enter, but they must turn off their engines and walk their vehicles into their homes.

Vu Ha Phuong, who took her children to the pedestrian streets in the Old Quarter to enjoy their summer holiday on Saturday evening, was surprised to see the streets become much more spacious, with fewer vehicles passing through.

“I think barring vehicles from entering the core area of the Old Quarter is a very appropriate measure,” she said.

“I can move around more comfortably and safely."

Every weekend evening at 7:00 pm, 45-year-old Ha Van Tuc arrives at the entrance of the low-emission zone to work at checkpoints and monitor vehicles entering and leaving the pilot area.

He said that after one month of operation, residents have gradually adapted to the policy and generally followed the requirements of enforcement officers.

“Almost everyone follows the instructions from authorities regarding the vehicle ban in the low-emission zone," he said.

“Residents who live inside the area can still enter, but they must turn off their engines and push their vehicles.

"Outsiders are not allowed to ride vehicles into the zone."

The Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment told Tuoi Tre that after the initial period of implementing the low-emission zone, relevant agencies had proactively carried out tasks within their responsibilities.

The department is also gradually completing mechanisms and policies to support vehicle conversion and the development of public transport.

“Initial monitoring shows that residents generally throw their support behind the policy of establishing low-emission zones to reduce air pollution, develop public transport, and promote the transition to green vehicles,” according to the department.

However, the department noted that this is a new policy that directly affects travel habits, business activities, tourism, services, and daily life for people living and working in the central area of the city.

Several technical mechanisms, including identifying green vehicles, conducting emission inspections for motorcycles, handling violations, and sharing vehicle data, are still being developed, the department said.

According to the initial assessment, the availability of public bicycles, charging stations, and battery-swapping cabinets has generally been sufficient to meet demand during the early stages of the pilot program.