Limiting vehicles over 16 seats, the old town is no longer congested

In the first days of the pilot program to ban vehicles with more than 16 seats from entering the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake during rush hour, the central area of ​​Hanoi's Old Quarter no longer had prolonged traffic jams.

Clear streets

From March 1, Hanoi began a pilot program to ban vehicles with more than 16 seats from entering the Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem District during two rush hours: 6:30 - 8:30 and 16:30 - 18:30. According to Giao Thong Newspaper reporters, in the first days of the pilot program, many streets in the center of Hanoi no longer had traffic jams.

The bus stopped at the transfer point, people leisurely moved into the hotel.

At Hang Giay Street at 4:50 p.m. on March 1, the reporter did not record any cars with more than 16 parking spaces, and the scene of crowded vehicles was no longer there. The same situation also occurred on Nha Tho Street, with traffic very clear. Pedestrians had more space, not being pushed onto the road as before.

In order to not disrupt the pick-up and drop-off of tourists, Hanoi has arranged pick-up and drop-off points outside the Old Quarter on Tran Nhat Duat Street (from Cao Thang Street to O Quan Chuong), Phung Hung, Ba Trieu and Dong Xuan Market.

"We were reminded by the propaganda team to comply with the new regulations. Although it is a bit inconvenient, I think it will reduce traffic congestion in the old quarter. I hope there will be more transit points to make it easier to travel," said Nguyen Minh Tri (in Quang Ninh), who often transports tourists to the old quarter.

Strictly handle violations

According to the authorities, in the first days of the pilot, most drivers followed instructions and traffic flow.

However, some bus drivers were still confused and entered the prohibited road. The joint force has set up checkpoints at important intersections such as Dinh Tien Hoang - Hang Dau, Hang Dau - Tran Nhat Duat, Nguyen Huu Huan - Tran Quang Khai to guide traffic, and remind drivers and transport businesses to understand the regulations.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thanh Hai, an officer of Traffic Police Team No. 1, Traffic Police Department of Hanoi City Police, said that at first, the functional forces focused on providing guidance and propaganda. However, in cases of intentional violations, or stopping or parking in violation of regulations, causing traffic obstruction, the Traffic Police will resolutely handle them.

"In the coming time, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot plan, thereby proposing appropriate adjustments. Transport units need to proactively arrange appropriate routes, pick up and drop off passengers at transit points to ensure traffic order and safety," said Lieutenant Colonel Hai.

Travel businesses support

Mr. Le Cong Nang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wonder Tour Company, said that limiting large vehicles will create conditions for tourists to walk, cycle, and leisurely explore the old town.

This is also a condition to change the mindset of tourism, towards green, sustainable and experiential products. Because when entering the old town, large vehicles often have to move very slowly to get through small streets, causing long traffic jams.

"For a long time, the old town has been famous for its beautiful small streets, ancient houses, street vendors and traditional cultural activities. The walking space has many rich and attractive activities. However, because of the noise and bustle of vehicles, many tourists have not been able to fully appreciate that beauty," said Mr. Nang.

Mr. Ta Huu Chien, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sunvina Travel, also expressed his agreement and support for the pilot ban on vehicles with more than 16 seats from entering the Old Quarter during rush hours. "Although when implementing this regulation, businesses will face certain difficulties in picking up and dropping off guests; additional costs will arise, and it is even predicted that the number of guests may decrease... However, to protect the environment and make traffic more open, this is also the right thing to do," Mr. Chien expressed.

Starting from March 1 to August 31 (6 months), the joint sector will ban vehicles with more than 16 seats (except buses and school buses) from circulating on the streets in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake during morning rush hours (from 6:30 to 8:30) and afternoon rush hours (from 4:30 to 6:30).

The scope and boundaries of the streets to implement the ban include: The first axis, the streets on the right of the perimeter axis: Dinh Tien Hoang (section from Hang Dau to Hang Dao) - Hang Dao - Hang Ngang - Hang Duong - Dong Xuan - Hang Giay back into the Hanoi Old Quarter area.

Second axis, streets on the right side of the ring road: Hang Dau - Tran Nhat Duat (Hang Dau - Nguyen Huu Huan section) - Nguyen Huu Huan back into the Hanoi Old Quarter area.

Third axis, streets: Quang Trung (section from Trang Thi to Nha Chung), Nha Chung, Ly Quoc Su, Nha Tho, Hang Trong, Au Trieu, Bao Khanh, Hang Hanh alley, Bao Khanh alley.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/ha-noi-han-che-xe-tren-16-cho-pho-co-het-canh-un-tac-192250304004752705.htm