The Hanoi People’s Council has passed a resolution to implement low-emission zones (LEZs) in the capital city.

The resolution outlines a two-phase roadmap for these zones. In the first phase (2025–2030), a pilot low-emission zone will be established in parts of Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts, with localities encouraged to follow suit. From 2031 onwards, areas meeting LEZ criteria will be required to adhere to the resolution’s regulations.

The question remains: how will residents and workers in these zones transition from fossil-fuel vehicles to clean-energy or zero-emission alternatives? The city invites readers, policymakers, and experts to share their insights, lessons learned, and innovative solutions to address this critical issue.

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Hanoi is considering various measures to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in inner-city districts. (Photo: Dinh Hieu)

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, air pollution has reached alarming levels in Vietnam over the past decade, particularly in major cities like Hanoi. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remains the primary pollutant.

Le Thanh Nam, Director of Hanoi's Department of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that local air pollution mainly stems from road dust and motor vehicles, which contribute 58–74% of emissions depending on the time of year. Motorbikes, followed by taxis, are the largest contributors.

As of August 2024, Hanoi had over 8 million registered vehicles, including 1.13 million cars and 6.9 million motorbikes. “Around 72.58% of motorbikes are over 10 years old, significantly adding to harmful emissions,” Nam said.

On December 12, the Hanoi People’s Council passed a resolution to create low-emission zones. Starting in 2025, pilot zones will be established in areas of Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts, where only non-polluting vehicles and clean-energy vehicles will be permitted. Gasoline and diesel-powered cars and motorbikes that fail to meet emission standards will be restricted or banned during designated hours.

Calls for a gradual transition

Nguyen Quoc Minh, who works in Hoan Kiem district, acknowledged the urgency of reducing air pollution in Hanoi's urban core. However, he emphasized the need for a clear roadmap to prevent disruption for residents and commuters. “If polluting vehicles are banned outright, how will people get around?” Minh questioned.

Sharing similar concerns, Tran Van Thanh, a resident of Dong Da district, supported the early restriction of gasoline and diesel vehicles in inner-city districts. He suggested replacing thousands of fuel-powered buses with electric buses as a first step, followed by gradually reducing polluting private vehicles.

Meanwhile, Tran Thi Hanh, who commutes daily from Ha Dong to Ba Dinh via the metro, expressed her support for the low-emission zone plan. “Using public transit spares me the stress of traffic jams,” Hanh said, though she noted that public transportation must be convenient and reliable to succeed.

During a December 11 council session, Hanoi’s Chairman Tran Sy Thanh outlined the city’s goals for low-emission zones: reducing polluting vehicles and improving air quality. He said the city plans to introduce measures encouraging residents to switch to greener modes of transport.

Specifically, Hanoi will collaborate with manufacturers to reduce gasoline and diesel vehicles in these zones. Proposed initiatives include offering incentives, such as subsidies for trading in old vehicles, discounts for new electric vehicles, and loans to help residents make the transition.

Quang Phong