Authorities in HCM City and neighbouring provinces should focus on preparations for traffic safety during the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday, Deputy Minister of Transport Lê Đình Thọ has said.

Authorities in HCM City and neighbouring provinces should focus on preparations for traffic safety during the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday, Deputy Minister of Transport Lê Đình Thọ has said.— Photo giaoduc.net

Speaking during his visit to HCM City yesterday, Thọ, who is also a standing member of the National Traffic Safety Committee, called on the traffic police, transport departments and local authorities in the south to be vigilant since there would be a sharp increase in traffic during Tết.

Trần Quang Lâm, deputy director of the city Department of Transport, said relevant authorities estimated traffic to increase by 20 -30 per cent compared to normal days and 5 – 10 per cent in comparison with last year.

“Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport would see a 25 per cent rise from last year.”

To prepare, authorities have collaborated with the media to raise public awareness on traffic safety during Tết and plan to set up a hotline during the festival for traffic problems, he said.

The city would operate 55,000 buses during the festival with 12 – 58 per cent higher fares, he said.

“Great attention has been paid to 35 places with frequent traffic congestion along with Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport, Sài Gòn Railway Station and Cát Lái Port.”

Police patrolling would be increased to ensure safety and order, Lâm said.

“The city will try to reduce the number of accidents and ensure no traffic jam lasts more than 30 minutes during the Lunar New Year.”

HCM City’s neighbouring provinces like Long An and Tiền Giang also reported plans to ease traffic during Tết. – VNS