Proposal to have a roadmap to limit personal vehicles

On the morning of November 24, the National Assembly discussed the draft Road Law in the hall. Participating in giving comments, Deputy Tran Thi Thu Hang (Dak Nong delegation) proposed adding content to prioritize the development of public passenger transport in conjunction with the roadmap to limit personal vehicles in large cities to reduce congestion and contribute to environmental protection.

Delegate Nguyen Hai Dung (Nam Dinh delegation) suggested that it is necessary to review the policy of prioritizing the development of public passenger transport by bus. Because in the future, not only buses but also other types of transport will be used to reduce traffic congestion. "If the priority is given to buses, the possibility of traffic congestion in large cities will still exist, when buses have to accompany private cars and motorbikes," Mr. Dung said and proposed that the priority policy must be balanced development with elevated trains and subways to hope to reduce urban traffic congestion.

Delegate Dung also expressed concern that the regulations on school buses are being applied in both the Road Law and the Road Traffic Safety Law. "A school bus is managed by two laws, so when applied in practice, it will be troublesome and difficult for both the transport business organizers, the schools and the handling agencies. Regulations on seniority of school bus drivers should be included in the Road Traffic Safety Law," said Delegate Dung.

In addition, at the discussion, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang affirmed the necessity of collecting tolls on state-invested highways. The toll collection will be based on the principle of paying higher fees for higher service usage and having the right to choose parallel routes. Countries such as China, Japan, and the US have applied this. "Currently, toll collection only meets 35-40% of maintenance needs. Therefore, if the highway system is built, completed, and put into operation without us collecting tolls, it will be difficult to have a huge amount of money for maintenance," said Mr. Thang.

Source link