Hanoi Postpones Decision on Low-Emission Zone to Restrict Gasoline Motorbikes

Hanoi's City People's Council has decided not to approve a proposal for a low-emission zone aimed at restricting gasoline-powered motorbikes during its current session. The council cited the need for further evaluation and public consultation before making a decision on the potentially impactful policy.

During a session on June 2, Permanent Vice Chairman of the City People's Council, Tran The Cuong, stated that while the draft resolutions had incorporated feedback, the content required more careful assessment. "Therefore, the City People's Council proposes that the City People's Committee direct relevant agencies to continue researching and perfecting the content, incorporating the opinions discussed by the People's Council delegates at this session to promptly complete these two important draft resolutions," Cuong said. He added that the resolutions would be presented for consideration and decision at the fourth session, expected in mid-June 2026.

This decision follows a previous instance in May when the council also deferred the low-emission zone proposal. At that time, Cuong explained that the draft resolutions did not yet meet the conditions for review and approval by the council. He noted that the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee is paying close attention to the matter, with the Party Secretary urging for the prompt submission of these important resolutions.

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Therefore, the City People's Council proposes that the City People's Committee direct relevant agencies to continue researching and perfecting the content, incorporating the opinions discussed by the People's Council delegates at this session to promptly complete these two important draft resolutions.

The proposed low-emission zone, initially intended to be piloted from July 1 to December 31, 2026, in two areas within Hoan Kiem ward, aimed to restrict vehicle traffic. Area 1, covering approximately 0.5 km², proposed a ban on all road vehicles, including cars and motorbikes, from 7 PM to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Area 2, encompassing parts of the Old Quarter, had different proposed restrictions for priority vehicles and those with permits.

Earlier, the Hanoi People's Committee had submitted a proposal to the City People's Council for a pilot low-emission zone within the Ring Road 1 area. However, the council's decision to postpone indicates ongoing debate and the need for more comprehensive planning to ensure the policy's feasibility and fairness for residents.

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This is also a content that the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee is very interested in. Especially the Party Secretary even directed this morning that these important resolutions will be submitted to the People's Council for approval soon.