Hà Nội seeks views on low-emission zone plan

Smog caused by vehicle emissions blankets Nguyễn Chí Thanh Street in Hà Nội in 2023. The city is working on a plan to phase out motorbikes in its centre by 2030. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội's authorities are gathering public inputs for a draft resolution that would mandate low-emission zones and phase out motorbikes in the inner city by 2030.

The draft outlines five key criteria for designating low-emission zones: demographics, air pollution levels, transportation facility accessibility, readiness for stricter standards and public acceptance.

Its ultimate goal is to gradually restrict motorbike use in the designated areas, paving the way for a complete motorbike ban in the inner city by the end of the decade.

The goal will be supported by increased investment in public transport, including metro lines and bus rapid transit (BRT) routes, awareness-raising campaigns and incentives for the motorbikes to be left at home.

Transportation is a major contributor to Hà Nội's air pollution, with over eight million vehicles on the road, including 1.2 million cars.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the city are nearly twice the national standard and transport is responsible for between 58 to 74 per cent of PM2.5 emissions.