Establish low emission zones, tighten regulations on non-standard vehicles
Hanoi City is promoting the deployment of low emission zones (LEZs) in central areas, considering this as a key solution to control pollution, especially from traffic, while promoting green traffic and sustainable urban development. According to this model, vehicles that do not meet emission standards will be restricted or banned from circulating, while vehicles using clean energy and low emissions will be prioritized.
According to Ms. Le Thanh Thuy - Deputy Head of the Environmental Management Department, Department of Agriculture and Environment (NNMT), Hanoi City is implementing synchronous strategic solutions to control and minimize pollution, especially air pollution. In which, low emission areas are considered important tools to control emissions from traffic, one of the main causes of fine dust pollution today.
Also according to the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the determination of the LEZ deployment area must be based on specific criteria. That area needs to be located in a strictly protected area or emission restriction area according to the Capital Plan for the period 2021-2030, vision to 2050; frequent traffic congestion at levels D–F according to TCVN 13592:2022 standards; and at the same time have an annual average air quality index (AQI) at a poor or below average level, based on data from standard monitoring stations.
The deployment area must have a public transport development plan or road infrastructure that meets the requirements, accompanied by a plan for monitoring, assessing emissions and a suitable vehicle conversion roadmap, avoiding major disruptions to people's lives.
Gradually apply low emission zones in the inner city
Regarding specific measures in low-emission areas, the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said that the city will focus on developing green transport infrastructure, expanding public passenger transport, increasing space for pedestrians and bicycles, and investing in a clean energy station system to serve environmentally friendly vehicles.
Vehicles prioritized for circulation in the LEZ include zero-emission vehicles, clean energy vehicles, and green vehicles. Conversely, Hanoi City plans to apply strict limits to polluting vehicles, including banning trucks over 3,500kg, limiting cars and motorbikes that do not meet emission standards, and banning motorbikes from operating on transport applications in low-emission areas.
In parallel with administrative measures, Hanoi will deploy smart monitoring systems such as artificial intelligence (AI) integrated cameras, air quality monitoring systems, vehicle management software and hotlines to receive people's feedback. The city also plans to issue policies to support the transition to green vehicles, tax and fee incentives, strengthen violation handling and public awareness raising.
According to the roadmap, Hanoi City will deploy low-emission areas according to a step-by-step roadmap until 2031. In the period 2026-2027, the city will pilot in Ring Road 1 area and some key wards, each ward selecting an area that meets sufficient criteria to evaluate efficiency.
From January 1, 2028, low emission zones will be applied to the entire Ring Road 1 and some areas belonging to Ring Road 2. By January 1, 2030, the scope of implementation will continue to expand from Ring Road 3 inwards, covering most of the city center area. From 2031 onwards, this model will be applied in all eligible areas according to regulations.
According to experts, in the context of air pollution in Hanoi and neighboring provinces still developing complicatedly, especially in the dry season, the deployment of low-emission zones is expected to create an important shift in pollution control, improve the quality of life and towards the green and sustainable development of the Capital.
