Report Hanoi Sets Sights on Greener Future with Motorcycle Restriction Plan

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In a move aimed at combatting traffic congestion and reducing air pollution, Hanoi authorities are advancing a bold strategy to restrict motorcycles in four central districts by 2030. Announced by Chairman Tran Sy Thanh of the Hanoi People’s Committee, the initiative is part of a broader Low Emission Zone (LEZ) policy targeted at the bustling districts of Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, Dong Da, and Hai Ba Trung.

 

This scheme, conceived by the Hanoi People’s Council in 2017, represents a significant push toward minimising fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Initially focusing on motorcycles, the policy will incrementally expand to include cars, establishing strict emission standards—Euro 4 for cars and Euro 2 for motorcycles. High-emission vehicles could face entry fees in delineated zones, reinforcing an eco-friendly approach to urban transport.

 

The transition will commence with a pilot program from 2025 to 2030 in select areas of Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh, with full enforcement envisioned by 2031. "This is not a spontaneous decision," Thanh reiterated, highlighting the scheme's careful planning over seven years.

 

Hanoi’s motorcycles, however, are more than just a mode of transport; they carry cultural significance. Acknowledging this, Thanh highlighted the need for a gradual transition towards a cleaner urban environment. To support this shift, Hanoi is investing heavily in public transportation, targeting a 45–50% share of passenger traffic in LEZs by 2030.

 

Future plans include converting the city's bus fleet to electric or green energy by 2030 and developing ten urban railway lines covering over 400 kilometres by 2035. These efforts align with global sustainability trends and reflect Hanoi's aspirations for a modernised, eco-conscious urban landscape.

 

At a recent meeting with the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), Chairwoman Sayaka Arai expressed concerns about the policy's impact on the millions who depend on motorcycles daily. With an estimated 6.9 million motorcycles in the city and another 1.2 million entering from neighbouring regions, the transition holds significant socio-economic implications, affecting 2,000 dealerships, 200 suppliers, and hundreds of thousands of workers.

 

Arai further highlighted practical challenges, such as inadequate charging infrastructure and the high cost of electric motorcycles. She urged the city to consider an achievable roadmap, suggesting the introduction of cleaner gasoline options, including Euro 4-compliant motorcycles and biofuels, as interim steps.

 

In response, Chairman Thanh assured that Hanoi is committed to developing essential infrastructure, including charging stations and safety standards, especially in older residential areas. Moreover, the city plans to support the transition with investments in electric vehicle adoption and align its vision with international climate goals. By engaging with key motorcycle market players like Honda, Yamaha, and Piaggio, which dominate 95% of Vietnam’s motorcycle industry, Hanoi seeks collaborative support for the shift towards greener transport alternatives.

 

The overarching aim remains clear: to provide Hanoi’s residents with a cleaner, more sustainable environment, addressing both their need for mobility and the imperative for ecological preservation. As the city moves forward with this transformative vision, the focus will remain on fostering a balance between cultural heritage and environmental responsibility.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Hanoi Times 2025-06-11

 

 

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