The Hanoi People's Committee has approved a proposal by the Department of Transport to restrict vehicles with more than 16 seats from operating in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area during designated hours, except for buses and school transport vehicles.

Trial implementation from March 1

According to the Department of Transport, the restriction will be implemented on a trial basis starting March 1, with prohibitions in place from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

After six months, authorities will assess the effectiveness of the measure and submit a report to the city for further decision-making.

The restriction applies to major routes in the Old Quarter, including:

Hang Giay - Dong Xuan - Hang Duong - Hang Ngang - Hang Dao - Dinh Tien Hoang

Hang Dau - Tran Nhat Duat - Nguyen Huu Huan and surrounding streets

Other restricted streets: Ly Quoc Su, Nha Tho, Nha Chung, Quang Trung (from Trang Thi to Nha Chung), Au Trieu, Bao Khanh, Hang Trong, Ngo Hang Hanh, Ngo Bao Khanh

To facilitate transportation, four transfer points will be set up at Ba Trieu, Tran Nhat Duat, Phung Hung, and Dong Xuan Market. All shuttle vehicles used for transit will be non-fossil fuel vehicles to promote environmental sustainability.

Reducing congestion and environmental impact

The restriction aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the Old Quarter, particularly during peak hours, while also contributing to air pollution reduction and improved public health.

In mid-2024, Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, proposed limiting automobile access to the Old Quarter and reducing bus routes through major thoroughfares to ease traffic density.

Additionally, Hanoi is developing a plan to ban fossil fuel-powered vehicles from operating in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area as part of efforts to create a low-emission zone. Residents in these areas will receive municipal support to transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric alternatives.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter spans over 80 hectares, covering 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 occupies 12 hectares, surrounded by major streets such as Dinh Tien Hoang, Ly Thai To, and Hang Khay.

Quang Phong