The Hanoi City People’s Committee has approved a proposal from the Department of Transport to initiate a pilot program restricting vehicles with more than 16 seats from operating in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, with exceptions for buses and school shuttles.
This pilot program will commence on March 1st, with restrictions in place during peak hours: from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. After six months, authorities will assess the program’s effectiveness and report back to the city for further consideration.
The restricted routes include the areas of Hang Giay, Dong Xuan, Hang Duong, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Dinh Tien Hoang; as well as Hang Dau, Tran Nhat Duat, and Nguyen Huu Huan, leading into the Old Quarter. Additional streets affected include Ly Quoc Su, Nha Tho, Nha Chung, Quang Trung (from Trang Thi to Nha Chung), Au Trieu, Bao Khanh, Hang Trong, Hang Hanh alley, and Bao Khanh alley.
The city will set up four transfer points in the vicinity of the restricted areas, located along Ba Trieu, Tran Nhat Duat, Phung Hung, and the Dong Xuan Market area. These transfer vehicles will not use fossil fuels.
According to the Hanoi Department of Transport, prohibiting vehicles with more than 16 seats in these areas will help reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, improve environmental conditions, lower emissions, protect public health, and promote a cleaner living space.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi spans over 80 hectares and includes ten wards: Hang Dao, Hang Bac, Hang Gai, Hang Bo, Hang Bong, Hang Buom, Hang Ma, Cua Dong, Dong Xuan, and Ly Thai To. Hoan Kiem Lake covers approximately 12 hectares, surrounded by the streets of Dinh Tien Hoang, Ly Thai To, and Hang Khay.
Additionally, limiting larger vehicles in the Old Quarter will create a more pedestrian-friendly urban environment, making it easier for tourists to explore and enjoy the area without the stress of complex traffic. This initiative will also encourage visitors to discover the Old Quarter using clean transportation options.
Furthermore, the Hanoi Department of Transport noted that this vehicle restriction during peak hours could significantly impact local hotels. Statistics from the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee show there are 138 hospitality businesses that will need to develop plans for guest transfers and adjust pick-up and drop-off times accordingly.
In October 2024, Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, indicated that a proposal was submitted to the city to further restrict vehicle access in the Old Quarter and limit bus traffic on key routes to reduce congestion.
Hanoi is also working on a plan to ban fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area, aiming to create a low-emission zone. Residents in this region will be supported in transitioning from gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric ones.