VietNamNet Bridge – The collection of annual road-use fees from motorists began in a few big cities yesterday, Jan 2.

The collection of annual road-use fees from motorists began in a few big cities yesterday. The fees, to be eventually collected from owners of all motor vehicles, aim to provide funds for road maintenance under a Government Decree that came into effect on January 1 after being postponed many times.

The fees, to be eventually collected from owners of all motor vehicles, aim to provide funds for road maintenance under a Government Decree that came into effect on January 1 after being postponed many times.

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported that fee collection had begun in Ha Noi and central Da Nang City, but only from car owners.

Head of the Viet Nam Register agency, Trinh Ngoc Giao, said yesterday that most registration centres had been ready for fee collection.

"The first day was busier than normal, but it was not a case of overload," Giao said.

He also noted that there was no need for car or bus owners to rush as registration could be done until June 30. Fines will apply after that date.

Deputy head of a register centre in Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh District of Ha Noi, said that yesterday, 70 vehicles registered and paid road-use fees. He said none had problems with the scheme.

According to Da Nang City Department of Transport, from 7am yesterday, vehicle registration centres in the central city collected VND120 million (US$5,760) from 60 cars and buses.

But most localities said they were not ready to register the nation's 35 million motorbike users, 20 times higher than cars, lorries and buses.

Deputy chairman of the municipal People's Council, Le Van Hoat, said that under Circular 197 from the Ministry of Finance guiding the implementation of the scheme, the city had to work out charges for motorbike owners that suited local conditions in accordance with rates framed by the circular.

Nguyen Huy Tuong, deputy chairman of Ha Noi People's Committee, said most residents and leaders at local levels were opposed to the scheme, saying that it was unreasonable to fix a rate for all users.

However, Tuong said that the decree had been issued, so it must be followed. The committee had assigned specific tasks to transport and taxation departments to map out a proper collection plan as soon as possible.

He added that it might be ready after Tet (Lunar New Year), six weeks later than required by the Government.

Tran Van Huy, a taxi driver working in the city, said collections were unfair when toll gates were still maintained. He complained that people who used cars, coaches and motor vehicles would bear most of the cost burden.

At the same situation, Da Nang City has announced it will be unable to carry out the whole scheme until July.

Fee collections for motorbike users will be set at the next meeting of the city People's Council.

Ngo Sy Kien Truc, vice chairman of An Hai Tay Ward, agreed that as a rule, the wards will be assigned to collect fees from vehicles in the area. However, this regulation will be difficult to implement due to lack of human-resources.

In HCM City, Nguyen Thi Quyet Tam, chairwoman of the municipal People's Council, said that HCM City People's Council had not yet discussed the scheme or started to put it into practice.

Rates will be set at the next meeting of the People's Council. While the rate for car owners is clearly set down, the rate for motorbike users has been left to authorities in provinces and cities.

According to the road-use fee-collection scheme, motorbike owners will have to pay VND50,000-100,000 for bikes with cylinders of 100 cubic centimetres and VND100,000-150,000 a year for those with cylinders of 100 cubic centimeters and above.

Meanwhile, there are 11 rates for cars. Private vehicles with less than 10 seats will be charged about VND1.5 million a year, while lorries and commercial vehicles over 27 tonnes will bear the highest fee of nearly VND12.5 million. Fee rates will decrease in following years.

Source: VNS