HCMC – Hanoi City plans to impose fees on private vehicles entering the area within Beltway 1 starting January 1, 2028, under a draft policy aimed at easing congestion and reducing pollution in the city center.
The People’s Committee of Hanoi City is seeking public feedback on the draft resolution, which also includes measures to develop transport infrastructure, apply advanced traffic management technologies and curb private vehicle use in central areas.
Under the proposal, the charging scheme would later expand to areas within Beltway 2 from January 1, 2030, and Beltway 3 from January 1, 2032.
City authorities said the downtown area is facing growing pressure from the rapid increase in private vehicles while transport infrastructure remains limited.
Traffic congestion frequently occurs on major roads, increasing travel times, social costs and environmental pollution, according to the draft.
Hanoi authorities said the fee policy is intended to regulate demand for private transport, reduce traffic volume and encourage residents to use public transportation.
The city said the phased rollout would match the progress of transport infrastructure and public transit systems while giving residents and businesses time to adapt.
The area within Beltway 1 would be prioritized in the first phase because it has the city’s highest population density and traffic pressure. Authorities said the policy would later be expanded after an evaluation period.
Hanoi City currently has about 1.1 million cars and seven million motorcycles and scooters. Another 1.2 million vehicles from other provinces and cities regularly circulate in the capital, according to city statistics.
