The Hanoi People's Committee is gathering feedback to finalize a draft resolution on criteria, conditions, and procedures for establishing low emission zones (LEZ) in the city, as part of the Capital Law of 2024.  

According to the draft, an LEZ is a restricted area within the city where air pollution levels are high. Vehicles operating in these zones must meet strict emission standards, with non-compliant vehicles facing restrictions or additional fees.  

Hanoi has proposed five regions for implementing traffic restrictions to limit pollution. The first category includes areas with high economic, cultural, and social development; densely populated regions with important heritage sites, and areas with potential for cultural and social tourism.  

The second category targets regions experiencing air pollution primarily due to traffic emissions.  

The third area encompasses locations with infrastructure that supports low-emission public transport, where traffic can be organized efficiently and scientifically.  

The fourth area includes zones that are equipped to enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles.  

Finally, the fifth category consists of areas where both local authorities and residents are supportive of establishing low emission zones.  

Designated LEZs will adopt various traffic and economic measures to reduce air pollution. Hanoi plans to gradually restrict motorbike use in these areas, with the goal of phasing out motorbikes in central districts by 2030, as per a 2017 resolution by the city’s People’s Council.  

The city will also introduce policies to replace old motorbikes that fail to meet safety and emission standards, designate zones where diesel vehicles are restricted, and encourage the replacement of diesel buses with electric alternatives.  

The LEZ model, aimed at restricting polluting vehicles, is expected to be piloted in early 2025.  

According to statistics from the Hanoi Department of Transport, the city currently has approximately 8 million vehicles, including nearly 1.5 million cars. The annual growth rate for personal vehicles is 4.5%, with car ownership rising by about 10% each year.  

Quang Phong