Brian Jeffrey
The Hanoi People’s Committee has given the green light for a plan by the Department of Transport to limit vehicles with over 16 seats in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake during specified hours, with exceptions for buses and school transport.
This restriction will be trialed starting March 1, with limitations set from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
After a six-month period, officials will evaluate how effective the measure has been and provide a report to the city for further action.
The banned routes include significant areas in the Old Quarter, such as:
Hang Giay – Dong Xuan – Hang Duong – Hang Ngang – Hang Dao – Dinh Tien Hoang
Hang Dau – Tran Nhat Duat – Nguyen Huu Huan and neighboring streets
Other streets where restrictions apply include: Ly Quoc Su, Nha Tho, Nha Chung, Quang Trung (from Trang Thi to Nha Chung), Au Trieu, Bao Khanh, Hang Trong, Ngo Hang Hanh, and Ngo Bao Khanh.
To assist in transportation, four transfer points will be created at Ba Trieu, Tran Nhat Duat, Phung Hung, and Dong Xuan Market. All shuttle services will utilize non-fossil fuel vehicles to support environmental initiatives.
The goal of these restrictions is to reduce traffic congestion in the Old Quarter during peak times, as well as to improve air quality and public health.
In mid-2024, Pham Tuan Long, the Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, suggested further limiting vehicle entry into the Old Quarter and cutting bus routes on major roads to decrease traffic levels.
Moreover, Hanoi is crafting a strategy to eliminate fossil fuel vehicles from the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area as part of efforts to establish a low-emission zone. Residents will receive support from the municipality to switch from gasoline vehicles to electric options.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter covers more than 80 hectares and includes 10 wards: Hang Dao, Hang Bac, Hang Gai, Hang Bo, Hang Bong, Hang Buom, Hang Ma, Cua Dong, Dong Xuan, and Ly Thai To.
Hoan Kiem Lake spans 12 hectares and is bordered by significant roads such as Dinh Tien Hoang, Ly Thai To, and Hang Khay.
