On the morning of December 12, with the majority of delegates present in agreement, the Hanoi People's Council voted to pass the Resolution on Regulations on implementing low emission zones in the capital.

The resolution sets out a roadmap for implementing low-emission zones divided into two phases. Phase 1, from 2025-2030, will pilot the establishment of a low-emission zone in an area in Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts; localities are encouraged to establish low-emission zones.

From 2031 onwards, areas in the city that have one of the criteria for low emission zones must comply with the provisions of the resolution.

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Hanoi will select some areas in Hoan Kiem district to limit polluting cars and motorbikes. Photo: Hoang Ha

The resolution also sets out a number of measures that must be applied in the low emission zone. Specifically, this area only allows vehicles that do not emit exhaust fumes and motor vehicles that use clean energy to circulate in the low emission zone.

Resolution prohibiting the circulation of heavy diesel trucks in low emission zones. Restricting or prohibiting cars that do not meet emission standards and motorbikes and scooters that do not meet standards from circulating in low emission zones according to time frames/points or areas.

The resolution also requires low-emission zone authorities to propose the issuance of fees and charges for road motor vehicles with emissions circulating in low-emission zones.

According to the resolution, Hanoi will support those living and working in low-emission areas to convert fossil fuel-powered vehicles to clean energy and zero-emission vehicles.

Previously, presenting a report, Director of the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment Le Thanh Nam said that the main source of on-site air pollution in Hanoi is road dust and road vehicles, accounting for about 58-74% depending on the time. Among the sources of emissions from vehicles, motorbikes account for the most, followed by taxis.

Mr. Nam also cited data from the Hanoi Department of Transport, saying that as of August 2024, the city had more than 8 million road vehicles, including nearly 1.13 million cars and more than 6.9 million motorbikes.

“In particular, the number of motorbikes used for more than 10 years accounts for 72.58%, which will increase the level of toxic emissions into the air if old vehicles are not maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations,” said Mr. Nam.

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