The initiative aimed at reducing air pollution and accelerating the transition to green transport.

Hanoi is preparing to introduce phased restrictions on
fossil fuel-powered vehicles within the capital’s central wards as part of
a low-emission zone (LEZ) initiative aimed at reducing air pollution and
accelerating the transition to green transport.

Under a draft resolution submitted to the Hanoi People’s
Council, which is expected to be reviewed at a special session opening on May
12, the city will gradually limit the use of gasoline-powered vehicles in areas
inside Ring Road 1.

For private gasoline-powered motorcycles, excluding
ride-hailing motorbikes, residents in pilot areas will be required to register
online with local authorities regarding their vehicle transition plans between
July 1 and October 1, 2026.

The first phase, running from July 1 to December 31, 2026,
will cover the core area of Hoan Kiem Ward, including 11 major streets such as
Trang Tien, Hang Khay and Le Thai To. During
the pilot period, gasoline motorcycles will be restricted from operating
between 6 pm and midnight on Fridays, and from 6 am to midnight on
weekends. Gasoline-powered ride-hailing motorbikes are expected to be
completely banned from the low-emission zone starting July 1, 2026.

The second phase, from 2027, will expand the pilot zone to
include Hoan Kiem and Cua Nam wards. By 2028–2029, the entire area inside Ring Road 1—spanning nine wards —is expected to be designated a
low-emission zone.

The proposal also includes stricter emissions regulations
for freight vehicles. Trucks under two tons that fail to meet Level 4 emissions
standards would be prohibited from entering the zone, while compliant vehicles
would face peak-hour restrictions. Larger trucks would face tighter
operating-hour limits or full bans.

According to Hanoi authorities, gasoline-powered motorcycles
currently account for 94–97% of vehicles in the affected wards, underscoring
the scale of the transition challenge. Officials have called for stronger
financial incentives, tax reductions and registration fee exemptions for green
vehicles, alongside expanded charging infrastructure and clearer transition
policies to build public support.

To support implementation, Hanoi plans to accelerate the
development of electric buses, urban railways, public bicycles and shared
electric motorbikes, while installing charging stations and automated license
plate recognition systems to monitor vehicle access and enforce regulations.

VnEconomy-Huỳnh Dũng