Under the new plan, the restricted area is defined by the inner boundary of the following streets: Hang Dau - Phung Hung - Trang Thi - Hang Khay - Trang Tien - Tran Quang Khai - Tran Nhat Duat. This area extends into the Old Quarter, essentially covering the entire Hoan Kiem Ward. The ban hours apply daily from 6h to 9h and from 16h to 19h30.

The red line outlines the proposed restricted area for oto with over 16 seats. Photo: Gmap

Previously, from 3/2025, Hanoi piloted a ban on oto with over 16 seats in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area. This restriction primarily applied to streets within the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake.

The Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee assessed that the traffic management plan, which restricts oto with over 16 seats during peak hours, has been effective. It has contributed to reducing traffic pressure and limiting inappropriate stopping, parking, and passenger pick-up/drop-off on narrow streets.

However, the current restricted area does not cover all streets with high traffic, tourism, and accommodation density. Some oto with over 16 seats tend to circulate outside, stopping and parking on adjacent or nearby streets, causing localized traffic pressure. The current restricted hours (6h30-8h30 and 16h30-18h30) do not align with the city's low-emission zone peak hour regulations. Shuttle services using smaller vehicles on some narrow streets still cause congestion and require more rational regulation. Therefore, the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee proposes expanding the restricted area for oto with over 16 seats during peak hours.

Tourist vehicles operating in the Old Quarter in 2/2025. Photo: Viet An

To maintain stable tourism activities, the city has arranged 4 fixed passenger transfer points. These points are located on Ba Trieu, Tran Nhat Duat, Tran Quang Khai, and Tran Khanh Du streets. Hanoi Parking Exploitation One Member Limited Company is also researching the installation of smart parking systems at the Tran Quang Khai parking lot to enhance infrastructure capacity and connect with the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area.

Viet An