A train traveling on the North-South line made an emergency stop after encountering a truck illegally parked within the railway's safety clearance. Around 9:30 h on 24/4, the incident occurred as the train, heading from Van Dien to Giap Bat, entered the Giap Bat – Van Dien section. Onboard staff located the driver and instructed them to move the Hanoi-plated truck.

The truck driver faced immediate legal repercussions for the violation. On the afternoon of the same day, Traffic Police Team No. 14, under the Hanoi Police Department, summoned the driver for questioning. Police issued a fine of 900,000 VND to the driver for parking within the railway safety zone.

The train made an emergency stop, waiting for the driver to move the vehicle from the safety corridor. *Photo: Xuan Hoa*

This incident highlights ongoing nationwide efforts by traffic police to enhance railway safety. Recently, national traffic police forces have launched comprehensive inspections, strictly addressing railway traffic safety violations. Numerous cases of deliberate infringement have resulted in penalties. For example, on 23/4, police fined 89 individuals for violations across the country. Hanoi and Khanh Hoa each recorded 17 cases, while TP HCM reported 15 cases.

Common violations include stopping vehicles in safety zones and reckless level crossing. The most frequent offense is stopping a vehicle within the railway safety zone. The second most frequent is deliberately crossing a level crossing when the red light is active, even if the barrier is lowering or fully lowered. For the first offense, both motorbikes and oto face fines ranging from 800,000 VND to one million VND. For the second offense, oto are fined between 18-22 million VND, and motorbikes between 4-6 million VND. Both offenses also result in a driver's license suspension for one to three months.

Authorities emphasize the critical differences in braking capabilities between trains and road vehicles, urging strict adherence to safety protocols. According to the Traffic Police Department, railways require a long braking distance, meaning trains cannot stop abruptly like road vehicles. The public must strictly obey traffic signals, warning bells, and the instructions of crossing guards. It is imperative not to stop, park vehicles, or conduct business within the railway safety corridor.

*Viet An*