At the end of the 4-day New Year holiday 2026, on January 4, the number of people returning to Hanoi from provinces and cities increased sharply, causing many gateways and main traffic axes of the Capital to be crowded. Faced with high vehicle pressure, the Hanoi City Police force has synchronously deployed plans to ensure traffic order and safety, minimizing the risk of congestion and accidents.
Records of Lao Dong Newspaper reporters on the morning of January 4 at the southern, northern and northeastern gateways show that the traffic flow of cars heading to the center of Hanoi City increased rapidly from early morning. On the Phap Van - Cau Gie expressway, Ring Road 3, vehicles moved in rows, with high density but still maintaining a stable traffic flow.
This year's New Year holiday takes place from January 1st to the end of January 4th, 2026, longer than usual days, so many people actively arrange time to return to the Capital early to avoid congestion and prepare for a new working week. Mr. Nguyen Van Sang (from Ha Tinh) said that he returned to Hanoi from the evening of January 3rd to avoid peak hours. "Today's weather is dry, cold but no rain, so travel is more convenient. I chose to go early to have time to rest before going to work," Mr. Sang shared.
Faced with the situation of heavy traffic, the Traffic Police (CSGT) force and functional units have strengthened their duties at toll stations, key intersections and gateway routes. CSGT regularly diverts and guides vehicles, limiting conflicts between straight-forward and turnaround traffic flows, especially at points connecting to Ring Road 3.
According to the Traffic Police Department, on the last day of the 2026 New Year holiday, the traffic police force throughout the city maintains 24/24 duty, highly concentrated at gateway routes to ensure people travel safely and smoothly. With the motto "proactive from early, from afar", regulatory plans are deployed flexibly, preventing prolonged congestion.
At the southern gateway of the Capital, Road Traffic Police Team No. 14 maintains a standing force, organizes traffic diversion and regulation continuously. The unit also applies an AI camera system to accurately measure vehicle traffic, thereby adjusting the traffic light cycle to suit the actual situation, reducing pressure on intersections.
Major Pham Minh Quan, Road Traffic Police Team No. 14, Traffic Police Department, Hanoi City Police, said that in the late afternoon and evening hours of January 4, the traffic density on gateway and main axis routes is forecast to continue to increase. Functional forces recommend that people absolutely drive in the correct lane and road; strictly comply with the message "Drunk - Do not drive"; fully comply with the guidance and regulation of traffic police at the scene to ensure safety for themselves and the community.
In addition to traffic diversion and regulation, the traffic police force still maintains inspection and strict handling of violations, especially for passenger transport activities. This is a type of vehicle carrying many people, just a small mistake can lead to serious consequences. Violations focused on handling include: driving vehicles when using alcohol and beer, carrying more people than prescribed, stopping and parking, picking up and dropping off passengers in the wrong places.
Representatives of Road Traffic Police Team No. 14 said that functional forces resolutely handle acts such as stuffing passengers, stopping and parking to pick up and drop off passengers in violation of regulations, carrying goods in passenger compartments causing unsafety. During the holidays, the unit maintains 100% duty on key routes, determined not to let the situation of illegal picking up and dropping off passengers affect the general traffic flow.
Hanoi City Police Traffic Police recommend that on the last day of the New Year holiday, the number of vehicles pouring into the Capital will increase further. People need to raise their awareness of voluntarily complying with the provisions of the law on road traffic and comply with the guidance of functional forces, contributing to limiting congestion and preventing unfortunate traffic accidents.
