HCMC – The government of HCMC is seeking feedback on a proposed regulation that bans trucks over one ton and passenger buses with more than 29 seats from entering inner-city areas between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The draft regulation, prepared by the HCMC Department of Construction, aims to adjust operating hours for freight and passenger transport vehicles and to ease congestion across the city.
Under the proposal, trucks with payloads exceeding one ton would be barred from inner-city roads from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, while smaller trucks, specialized vehicles, tractor trucks and trailers would face restrictions during peak periods from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The proposal would tighten existing rules by lowering the restriction threshold from 2.5 tons to one ton, potentially affecting a much larger number of vehicles.
Authorities also proposed banning buses with more than 29 seats from operating on inner-city roads from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., expanding restrictions already applied to sleeper buses since early 2023.
The restricted zone would cover areas within a belt formed by major roads including Do Muoi, Le Duc Anh, Le Kha Phieu, Nguyen Van Linh, Phu My Bridge and Hanoi Highway. Vehicles subject to restrictions would still be allowed to travel on those ring roads.
The draft also proposes restricting three-wheeled vehicles and non-motorized vehicles from entering inner-city areas, except in certain special cases.
Exemptions would apply to ambulances, fire trucks, police and rescue vehicles, hearses, light pickup trucks and utility vehicles serving electricity, water, healthcare, postal services and infrastructure repair.
