VietNamNet Bridge – The number of drivers using fake environmental ID badges on the Ha Noi – Hai Phong Expressway to avoid paying the toll fee has increased recently, the Giao Thông (Transport) newspaper reported.

A car displaying a badge at a Ha Noi - Hai Phong Expressway toll booth. — Photo baogiaothong.vn

Private and even luxury cars have the fake badges stuck in their windscreens, according to the Ha Noi – Hai Phong Expressway Exploitation and Management Company.

According to the General Department of Natural Response and Recovery under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), only the department and provincial steering committees for natural disaster prevention and control had the right to issue badges, which can be legitimately used by drivers who are working on dyke protection projects or responding to natural disasters.

Nguyen Duc Quang, the department’s deputy head, said that the procedure and criteria for issuing the badges was strictly regulated by MARD, and only 568 badges had been granted.

On Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Hoang Van Thang asked the Ministry of Public Security, the Central Committee for Disaster Prevention and related agencies to compile a list of cars using false badges.

The badges give drivers exemption from tolls across the country, providing they are on duty.

Source: VNS