Hanoi is preparing to implement a significant environmental policy, introducing low-emission zones and planning to ban motorbikes from the inner city by 2030. The proposed plan aims to reduce air pollution and encourage the use of cleaner transportation. The plan identifies 12 inner districts, including Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Dong Da, as initial low-emission zones. These areas are expected to restrict high-polluting vehicles, and by 2030, motorbikes will be completely banned.

The city’s plan includes a pilot program starting in early 2025, during which certain vehicles will be restricted. This will focus on large-tonnage trucks powered by diesel oil, with a particular emphasis on vehicles meeting Euro-4 emissions standards or higher. Vehicles that do not meet these criteria will be subject to fees. The plan will also encourage the use of low-emission vehicles and improve public transport infrastructure, such as expanding metro lines and introducing green bus routes.

While many residents support the initiative to tackle air pollution, experts and locals have raised concerns about the availability of alternative transportation. The plan includes provisions for better public transport options to support the transition, such as enhancing bus routes and increasing the number of electric buses. Additionally, Hanoi is focused on making the public transport system more reliable before fully implementing the motorbike ban.