At a recent meeting involving the Traffic Police Department, the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, and the Vietnam Register (all under the Ministry of Construction), Major General Do Thanh Binh proposed reorganizing traffic to separate lanes for cars and motorbikes to prevent chaos and enhance safety.

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Cars and motorbikes weave chaotically on Nguyen Trai Street, Hanoi. Photo: Dinh Hieu

The traffic chief pointed out that many urban roads in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City allow mixed traffic, leading to disorder and safety concerns.

“In Japan, lane widths typically range from 3.3 to 3.5 meters, while in Vietnam, they are up to 3.75 meters wide. Yet, we often see three cars driving side by side in two lanes, causing chaos and endangering traffic safety,” said Major General Binh.

He emphasized that shared lanes for cars and motorbikes are inherently unsafe.

Using Nguyen Trai Street as an example, he said it is entirely feasible to divide it into six separate lanes, effectively segregating vehicles.

“If we allocate 3.5 meters per lane, we can designate separate paths for cars and motorbikes. This would push all motorbike traffic to the right side of the road, making travel safer, easing congestion, and restoring order,” he added.

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Major General Do Thanh Binh - Director of the Traffic Police Department. Photo: Dinh Hieu

He also cited a previous proposal for Thanh Tri Bridge in Hanoi, where he recommended separating lanes for cars and motorbikes. Authorities implemented the changes, reduced speed limits, and have since seen improvements in both traffic flow and accident rates.

“I recommend that the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam conduct further studies to guide provincial construction departments on reorganizing traffic to reduce congestion, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City,” Binh stated.

Bui Quang Thai, Director of the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, acknowledged the issue, noting that current standards for highways, national roads, and urban roads are not being applied appropriately. “Some places lack infrastructure where it's needed, while others apply the standards too rigidly,” he said.

He added that the directorate will enhance inter-agency collaboration with the Traffic Police Department to review and adjust traffic planning. For roads under central management, changes will be made directly. For roads managed locally, the department will provide guidance and support.

In the meantime, they plan to hold workshops involving traffic experts, universities, and other stakeholders to study optimal traffic organization. If new regulations cannot yet be finalized, an interim handbook will be issued for local authorities to reference in managing traffic more effectively.

Dinh Hieu