Developing smart transportation to achieve optimal green status
According to experts, environmental pollution is a serious problem in many major cities of Vietnam, requiring more drastic solutions in emission control. Besides strengthening public transport, transitioning to green transport is considered a long-term, fundamental solution to reduce emissions and improve environmental quality.
At the conference "International Experience in Promoting Green Transportation Transformation" recently co-organized by the Hanoi Communications Association, experts emphasized the role of low-emission zones in controlling urban air pollution. Dr. Pham Sy Thanh - Director of CESS - said that international experience shows that green transportation transformation is a long-term process, which needs to be well prepared with a vision of over 20 years. The transformation roadmap needs to follow clear steps: First, improve the efficiency of vehicles using internal combustion engines; then switch to vehicles using new energy and finally develop smart transportation to achieve optimal green status.
According to Ms. Le Thanh Thuy - Deputy Head of the Environment Department (Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment), Hanoi City is developing policies according to a roadmap suitable to actual conditions. Air pollution in Hanoi is largely caused by vehicle emissions, so the implementation of low emission zones is a key solution to control this source of emissions.
The policy is built on the basis of Resolution 57 of the Hanoi City People's Council, aiming to adjust reasonable traffic organization and reduce emissions. "We have researched international models and assessed the applicability in Hanoi. This is a new model in Vietnam, so there will be many challenges" - Ms. Thuy said.
According to the roadmap, from July 1, 2026 to the end of 2026, Hanoi City will pilot in the core area (Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street area, belonging to Hoan Kiem ward), on the basis of expanding the current pedestrian street space - which already has the characteristics of a low-emission area. After that, the scope will be expanded, then spread to Ring Roads 1, 2 and 3 within 3-5 years. The "from small to large" approach is chosen to suit the financial, technological and policy conditions of the city.
Strengthening surveillance by technology
In parallel with the pilot program, Hanoi City will synchronously implement solutions on transportation and support policies. Hanoi City orients strong development of public passenger transport, encourages the use of clean vehicles, expands pedestrian and bicycle space, and arranges connecting transit points.
According to Mr. Nguyen Quang Huy - Deputy Head of Transport Management Department (Hanoi Department of Construction), Resolution 57 has clearly stipulated the roadmap and implementation solutions, associated with the goal of reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution. Hanoi City will also invest in charging stations, infrastructure for collecting and processing electric vehicle batteries, improving traffic organization efficiency and providing information to people.
For polluting vehicles, many control measures will be applied. Vehicles using green or zero-emission energy will be prioritized for circulation in low-emission areas. Conversely, vehicles using fossil fuels will be restricted and gradually eliminated according to a roadmap.
Hanoi does not encourage the registration of new vehicles using fossil fuels; prohibits trucks over 3500kg using fossil fuels from entering the area; restricts personal motorbikes by time frame if they do not meet emission standards; prohibits cars that do not meet emission standard level 4 (Euro 4) according to regulations. Technology motorbikes using fossil fuels will also be restricted from operating in the area.
Hanoi City is building a modern monitoring system based on digital technology to ensure effective implementation. Solutions include a camera system integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), emission control stations, vehicle identification through license plates and QR codes, and non-stop toll collection system. Data will be connected to the police force to handle violations.
Air quality monitoring stations and sensors will be installed in the pilot area. Hanoi City also established a channel to receive people's feedback through the VNeID application and strengthen patrols and inspections. At the same time, promote traffic "greening" with a series of policies to support people and businesses to convert vehicles. According to forecasts, Hanoi will support people to convert from gasoline and oil vehicles to green vehicles, and provide preferential loan packages with a maximum term of 5 years.
Promoting the development of clean energy infrastructure: Requiring at least 10% of existing parking spaces and 30% at new projects with charging pillars; supporting up to 70% of loan interest for charging station projects, land clearance and land rent incentives. Encouraging investment in PPP form, ensuring infrastructure connection and energy supply.
According to a representative of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment, the new policy has no precedent, so it is difficult to avoid initial obstacles. However, the pilot implementation will help improve the mechanism, towards the goal of controlling pollution and improving the quality of urban life. Functional agencies will continue to complete procedures for the policy to become practical, contributing to promoting people to switch vehicles, towards a green and sustainable transportation system.
