Hanoi will officially begin piloting a low-emission zone around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter Night Market from July 1, following the approval of a roadmap by the municipal People's Council aimed at reducing traffic-related emissions and improving air quality across the capital.

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The area designated for the low-emission zone pilot beginning July 1.

The plan, approved on Monday, outlines the development of low-emission zones within Ring Road 1 between 2026 and 2030. The first phase will run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, covering two designated areas within Hoan Kiem Ward.

Area 1 is bounded by 11 streets: Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Buom, Ma May, Hang Bac, Hang Mam, Nguyen Huu Huan and Ly Thai To.

Area 2 is enclosed by Hang Dau, Phung Hung, Trang Thi, Hang Khay, Trang Tien, Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat streets.

According to the proposal, the initial phase aims to establish a practical model for low-emission zones, raise public awareness, encourage participation from residents and businesses, and collect data to assess effectiveness before wider implementation.

During the pilot period, restrictions will focus primarily on public communication, voluntary compliance and incentives encouraging the adoption of greener modes of transport.

A low-emission zone is a designated area where polluting vehicles are restricted in order to improve air quality.

The initiative is intended to reduce transport-related emissions, improve air quality - particularly concentrations of fine particulate matter PM2.5 - lower greenhouse gas emissions and support Vietnam's climate commitments.

Within Area 1, Hanoi will continue applying existing regulations governing the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone. Motorcycles, motorbikes and cars are prohibited from entering the area between 7 p.m. and midnight every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Emergency vehicles and authorized vehicles will remain exempt and may operate at all times.

The city is encouraging a gradual reduction in the use of gasoline-powered ride-hailing motorcycles. Private motorcycles manufactured or imported before 2008, along with mopeds manufactured or imported before 2016, are also being discouraged from operating within the pilot zone. Residents are being encouraged to switch to greener vehicles or use public transportation.

For buses, school transport vehicles and employee shuttle services, authorities are promoting the transition to clean-energy vehicles or vehicles meeting Euro 4-equivalent emission standards or higher.

Gasoline-powered vehicles carrying more than 16 passengers, excluding buses and school or employee transport services, will only be permitted to operate outside peak hours, defined as 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Vehicles wishing to operate during peak periods must obtain written approval from city police authorities.

Trucks weighing less than two tons will also be restricted to off-peak hours. Trucks weighing between two and 3.5 tons will only be permitted between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following day. Vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons may operate only during those same hours unless special permission is granted by relevant authorities.

Stricter vehicle restrictions from 2027

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Hanoi's People's Council approved the Low Emission Zone Plan within Ring Road 1 on June 15.

The second phase, running from January 1 to December 31, 2027, will expand the pilot area to include a third zone covering Hoan Kiem and Cua Nam wards.

This area will be bounded by 14 streets, including Nguyen Du, Han Thuyen, Tran Hung Dao, Tran Khanh Du, Tran Quang Khai, Tran Nhat Duat, Hang Dau, Cua Dong, Ly Nam De, Ton That Thiep, Dien Bien Phu, Hang Bong, Cua Nam and Le Duan.

Following a year focused on public outreach and infrastructure preparation, Hanoi plans to introduce stricter measures. Gasoline-powered ride-hailing motorcycles will be banned from operating within low-emission zones, while vehicles failing to meet Euro 4-equivalent emission standards will no longer be permitted.

The city will also prohibit trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons from entering these areas.

During the third phase, from 2028 through the end of 2029, low-emission zones will be expanded to cover the entirety of Ring Road 1. The system will then remain in place from 2030 onward.

Ring Road 1 encompasses nine wards and is bounded by Hoang Cau, De La Thanh, O Cho Dua, Xa Dan, Dai Co Viet, Tran Khat Chan, Nguyen Khoai, Tran Khanh Du, Tran Quang Khai, Tran Nhat Duat, Yen Phu, Nghi Tam, Au Co, An Duong Vuong, Lac Long Quan, Buoi and Cau Giay roads.

In addition to measures introduced during earlier phases, Hanoi plans to ban gasoline-powered motorcycles that fail to meet Level 3 emission standards from operating within low-emission zones.

The phased approach reflects the city's broader strategy to improve air quality while allowing residents and businesses time to adapt to cleaner transportation alternatives.

Thanh Hue