Hà Nội dự kiến thí điểm hạn chế xe máy xăng theo giờ tại vùng lõi Hoàn Kiếm từ 01/7 | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Low-Emission Zone (LEZ): A designated urban area where access for polluting vehicles is restricted or prohibited to improve air quality.
• Ring Road 1 (Vành đai 1): The central transport corridor in Hanoi serving as the geographical boundary for the pilot project.
• Fossil Fuel Vehicles: Internal combustion engine motorcycles and scooters powered by gasoline or diesel.
• Phased Implementation: A strategic rollout approach to test, evaluate, and scale urban policy interventions.

Proposal Overview: Hanoi Low-Emission Zone Pilot

The Hanoi People's Committee has formally submitted a draft proposal to establish a Low-Emission Zone (LEZ) within the area enclosed by Ring Road 1. The primary objective is to mitigate urban air pollution by systematically restricting the use of fossil-fuel-powered motorcycles and scooters.

Implementation Roadmap

The project is structured into three distinct phases to ensure a gradual transition and allow for policy adjustments based on real-world performance:

• Phase 1 (January 1st – December 31st):
  • Scope: Limited to Hoan Kiem ward.
  • Restrictions: Fossil-fuel motorcycles and scooters are prohibited during specific time windows:
    • Fridays: 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
    • Saturdays and Sundays: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
• Phase 2 (Starting 2027):
  • Scope: Expansion to include both Hoan Kiem ward and Cua Nam ward.
• Phase 3 (Starting 2028):
  • Scope: Full-scale implementation covering the entire geographical area within the Ring Road 1 boundary.

Strategic Objectives and Methodology

The methodology relies on a "pilot-first" approach, focusing initially on high-density, high-traffic tourist and commercial hubs (Hoan Kiem). By restricting fossil-fuel vehicles during peak weekend hours, the city aims to reduce carbon emissions and particulate matter (PM2.5) in areas with high pedestrian density.

The logical progression from a single ward to the entire Ring Road 1 area suggests a framework designed to:

1. Assess Impact: Evaluate the effectiveness of traffic flow and air quality improvements during the initial phase.
2. Infrastructure Readiness: Allow time for the development of supporting infrastructure, such as public transport alternatives or electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, before full-scale implementation.
3. Behavioral Adaptation: Provide residents and commuters with a transition period to shift toward cleaner transportation modes.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The Hanoi People's Committee’s proposal represents a significant shift in urban environmental management. By targeting the core of the city (Ring Road 1) and utilizing a phased restriction model, the city is prioritizing air quality and public health. The success of this initiative will likely depend on the availability of alternative transportation options and the public's compliance during the initial Phase 1 pilot in Hoan Kiem. The ultimate goal of the 2028 full-scale implementation is to transform the central district into a low-emission environment, setting a precedent for broader urban sustainability efforts in Vietnam.