Positive changes from Decree 168
According to statistics from the Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security), from January 1 to 14, 2025, the national traffic police force detected and handled 174,653 cases of traffic safety violations. Compared to the previous period, the number of fines decreased by 22,786 cases (-11.54%). The traffic accident situation has clearly changed with a decrease in all 3 criteria (number of cases, number of deaths, number of injuries) compared to the same period and the previous period.
These are the "telling numbers" that most truthfully reflect the impacts of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP on the situation of security, order and traffic safety (TTATGT).
In addition, the authorities also stated that the Decree has created positive changes in traffic awareness and behavior. The situation of drivers running red lights, going against traffic on one-way streets, etc. has decreased significantly, especially in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Sharing at the seminar "Impact of traffic infrastructure on security, order and traffic safety" organized by Lao Dong Newspaper on January 16, Lieutenant Colonel Ta Thi Hong Minh - Deputy Head of the Department of Propaganda and Investigation, Traffic Accident Resolution, Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security) emphasized that the competent authorities and forces performing the task of ensuring traffic safety determined that the adjustment of the penalty level is not to increase the amount of fines collected for the State budget, but the goal is to raise the awareness of compliance with road traffic laws of traffic participants.
“In fact, the increase in fines has been implemented before, but it is not enough of a deterrent, and does not really reduce the frequency of traffic accidents, especially for some high-risk behaviors that are still a common problem. After Decree 168 was issued, the phenomena of riding on the sidewalk, crowding, and running red lights have decreased significantly. These things create a good image for tourists and international friends. Creating a civilized and safe traffic environment will also help us attract investment aspects for socio-economic development,” said Senior Lieutenant Colonel Ta Thi Hong Minh.
Dr. Nguyen Huu Duc - Urban traffic expert agrees with the adjustment of the fine level and believes that people will be more aware and change their awareness. "In addition, the role of the authorities in the implementation of their duties is extremely important. Correctly handling errors, strictly, without exception, combined with propaganda and enthusiastic guidance will contribute to increasing people's awareness", Dr. Nguyen Huu Duc shared.
Focus on developing transport infrastructure
Transport infrastructure affects all aspects of society and economy. In addition, unsafe transport infrastructure or lack of safe infrastructure can lead to increased risk of traffic accidents.
According to Architect Tran Huy Anh - Standing Member of the Hanoi Architects Association, when traffic infrastructure has not kept up with the development speed of means of transport, traffic congestion and unsafety will persist. In addition, the use of traffic infrastructure for "non-traffic" purposes is also an issue that needs to be reconsidered.
“When people are still stuck on the road, vehicles overflow onto the sidewalks, taking up space for pedestrians, we research and even implement sidewalk rental, which is a non-traffic purpose. If it is truly determined that the sidewalk is not used, not used, then we can invest in other purposes to serve the needs of the community, instead of serving the needs of a certain individual,” Architect Tran Huy Anh assessed.
In the coming time, according to Dr. Nguyen Huu Duc, to completely solve traffic congestion, there is no other way but to reduce personal vehicles, complete a modern and convenient public transport network, especially urban railways. Besides, people must be encouraged to walk.
