On 11/5, the Hanoi People's Council, 17th term, 2026-2031, held its second specialized session to review several matters under its authority. Tran The Cuong, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council, announced that the Council has not yet considered approving three proposals: the low-emission zone project within Ring Road 1; a resolution on policies supporting postgraduate training for the 2026-2030 period; and the investment policy for a road adjacent to the National Children's Hospital and National Kidney Hospital.

According to Cuong, the draft proposals and resolutions lacked sufficient information and documentation for the Council to consider and approve.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Tran The Cuong. Photo: Hoang Phong

Previously, the Hanoi People's Committee submitted the low-emission zone project within Ring Road 1 to the Hanoi People's Council. The draft project outlined a pilot phase, scheduled from 1/7 to 31/12, in Hoan Kiem ward. This pilot area spans approximately 0,5 km2, with a population of about 20,000, encompassing 11 streets: Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Buom, Ma May, Hang Bac, Hang Mam, Nguyen Huu Huan and Ly Thai To.

Under the project, gasoline motorbikes used for ride-hailing services would be prohibited in the low-emission zone. Non-commercial gasoline motorbikes would face restrictions, banned from 18h to 24h on friday, and from 6h to 24h on saturday and sunday. The project also specified emission standards and operating hours for trucks, passenger vehicles, and buses in the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and surrounding routes.

In phase two, starting in 2027, the city planned to expand the pilot program to Cua Nam ward, covering 14 streets surrounding the Hoan Kiem core area.

By the 2028-2029 phase, Hanoi projected to extend the low-emission zone to the entire area within Ring Road 1, an area exceeding 26 km2 and affecting approximately 625,000 residents. This scope includes 9 wards situated along major roads such as Hoang Cau, Xa Dan, Dai Co Viet, Nguyen Khoai, Yen Phu, Au Co, Lac Long Quan, Buoi and Cau Giay.

By Vo Hai