Ha Minh Hai, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, recently called for policies that encourage the participation in the cashless payment trial for parking fees. These policies may include partial or complete fee waivers for early adopters.

The Department of Transport, local authorities, and public security force were asked to collaborate to expedite the licensing for eligible parking facilities and ensure they have the necessary technology for cashless payments.

Strict penalties will be enforced on unlicensed or inadequately equipped facilities. Local leaders will be held accountable for ensuring compliance, and enforcement actions may be supported by enhanced surveillance camera systems.

The development of a unified visual identity for licensed cashless parking facilities to improve public recognition was also proposed.

Hai said Hanoi has outlined a plan to outsource its technical infrastructure entirely to technology companies, followed by leasing to parking management firms. Technology providers must commit to long-term partnerships with the city.

The department announced that the city launched a pilot programme from April 15 to June 17, introducing cashless payments for parking fees in Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho, Nam Tu Liem, Cau Giay, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Bac Tu Liem, Ba Dinh, and Long Bien districts. All 64 designated parking areas offered payment options through VETC, Viettel, QR code, ePass, and MTC systems.

The trial proved successful, with nearly 90% (156,403 transactions) conducted cashlessly. Cash payments accounted for only 10.2% of the transactions during the two-month period.

Law enforcement played a crucial role in the programme, with officers patrolling, guiding users, and monitoring the cashless facilities. They penalised seven violating cases, resulting in a total of 72 million VND (3,000 USD) in fines./. VNA