Expectations for infrastructure, support levels when piloting low-emission zones
These days, on Nguyen Huu Huan street (Hoan Kiem ward), the story of switching from gasoline cars to electric cars in low-emission areas is becoming a topic of concern for many households.
Mr. Tran Hung's family lives in a small alley on Nguyen Huu Huan street, currently has 3 gasoline motorbikes. He said that the whole family is discussing very carefully about switching from gasoline to electric vehicles. "We support the policy of deploying low-emission zones to improve Hanoi's air quality. But to get people to agree highly and implement the conversion soon, the city needs to announce the level of financial support as well as related policies" - Mr. Hung stated his opinion.
In addition, Mr. Hung also hopes that the city will have specific guidance on fire prevention and fighting, from installing chargers to safety regulations when charging electric motorbikes at home.
Sharing the same thought, Ms. Nguyen Minh Anh - a resident living nearby - said that her family also has 2 motorbikes and is planning to switch to electric vehicles in the near future. According to Ms. Minh Anh, in addition to supporting the cost of buying cars for people, the city needs to consider infrastructure such as installing public charging points. "We are learning where to sell used cars at a reasonable price, and also consulting reputable stores to buy electric vehicles" - Ms. Minh Anh said.
Hanoi City People's Committee has just sent a report to Hanoi City People's Council on the low-emission zone project in Ring Road 1.
According to the content of the submission, in phase 1 from July 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026, a pilot program will be implemented in Hoan Kiem ward. The low emission zone is limited to 11 streets in Hoan Kiem ward including: Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Buom, Ma May, Hang Bac, Hang Mam, Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To. This area is 0.5km2 wide, 3.5km circumference, with a population of about 20,000.
In low-emission areas, gasoline motorbikes are prohibited from circulating from 6 pm to 12 am on Fridays, from 6 am to 12 am on Saturdays and Sundays. Motorbikes and gasoline motorbikes operating business on the application software platform supporting transport connections are also prohibited.
Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Minh Tan informed that the city plans to pilot a low emission zone in 3 phases. Phase 1 (from July 1 to December 31, 2026), the city plans to pilot in Hoan Kiem ward; phase 2 (from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2027), the city will expand the pilot scope to Cua Nam ward with 14 streets surrounding the core area; phase 3 (from January 1, 2028 to December 31, 2029), the low emission zone will be expanded throughout the area of Ring Road 1.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Tan affirmed that the Low Emission Zone Project in Ring Road 1 (Hanoi) is a very new and very difficult task, organized for the first time in Vietnam.
Air pollution sources from vehicles account for a very large proportion. Therefore, researching to propose measures to reduce emissions from traffic sources is extremely important" - Mr. Nguyen Minh Tan assessed.
Mr. Dao Viet Long - Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Construction - said that the city is developing a policy to support conversion, expected to be submitted to the City People's Council in the near future. The policy includes interest rate support for loans, support for vulnerable groups and affected subjects such as taxis.
According to the draft project, people converting from fossil fuel motorbikes to green vehicles may be supported with 20% of the vehicle value, up to 5 million VND; poor households are supported up to 20 million VND, and near-poor households 15 million VND.
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