High-rise buildings are seen amid heavy air pollution conditions in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Nov 30, 2023. NHAC NGUYEN / AFP

The Hanoi People's Council approved a resolution to establish low-emission zones in the Vietnamese capital on Dec 12.

Measures will focus on transportation, including allowing vehicles that are environmentally friendly, and using clean and green energy.

Vehicles of priority or with circulation permits from the authorities will be able to operate within the low-emission zones.

Restrictions or bans can be applied for vehicles that do not meet the Euro emissions standards, specifically the Euro 4 for cars and Euro 2 for motorcycles, in the zones during specific hours.

Proposals for fees and charges for pollution-emitting vehicles traveling in low-emission zones are expected to be put forward sometime in the future, while the first zones could come into force in 2025.

In addition, support policies will be proposed for residents in these zones, for organizations and businesses transitioning from fossil fuel-powered to environmentally friendly vehicles, as well as for investments into green transportation infrastructure.

Under the green move, the low-emission zones must be in line with urban development prioritizing public transportation or sufficient road infrastructure for appropriate traffic planning.

The authorities must also devise a plan to monitor and assess emission levels and emission reduction in the affected areas and prepare for the transportation mode transition.

The specific implementation road map stated that low-emission zones will be piloted in the Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts from 2025 to 2030, while other localities are encouraged to implement a similar model.

From 2031, areas in the capital that meet one of the relevant criteria identifying low-emission zones must implement the green model.

Based on the criteria, the district-level people's committee will develop a proposal for a low-emission zone, customized for the specific conditions and capacity of the locality.

The proposal for the low-emission zone takes into account relevant input from state management agencies responsible for environmental protection and transport.

Prior to the issuance of the low-emission zone resolution, feedback was gathered from 30 districts and municipalities for the drafting process.

A report from the Hanoi People's Council showed that the capital is facing challenges in air pollution management and environmental protection, with a widespread decline in air quality.

Low-emission zones have been implemented across Europe as well as in major cities in Asia such as Beijing, Seoul and Jakarta.

Viet Nam News, Vietnam