Pre-Tet Gridlock: Hanoi and HCMC Struggle with Relentless Traffic
Holiday rush and new regulations worsen congestion across major cities
As the Lunar New Year approaches, major streets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are overwhelmed with persistent traffic jams due to surging travel and shopping demand. The enforcement of a new traffic decree has also altered driving habits, compounding the gridlock.
In Hanoi, major roads like Nguyen Trai and Ring Road No. 3 have been packed with vehicles throughout the day. Hanoi’s Traffic Police Department has deployed officers during non-peak hours, ensuring full coverage to manage critical congestion points. The situation is worsened by drivers illegally using sidewalks to escape traffic, risking hefty fines under the new Decree 168.
Ho Chi Minh City is facing similar challenges. Congestion around Tan Son Nhat Airport and shopping districts has intensified, with traffic volume up by 17% in central areas. Construction and parked vehicles on key routes like Dinh Bo Linh Street have further choked traffic, prompting Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to order immediate solutions to ease the situation.
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In Hanoi, major roads like Nguyen Trai and Ring Road No. 3 have been packed with vehicles throughout the day. Hanoi’s Traffic Police Department has deployed officers during non-peak hours, ensuring full coverage to manage critical congestion points. The situation is worsened by drivers illegally using sidewalks to escape traffic, risking hefty fines under the new Decree 168.
Ho Chi Minh City is facing similar challenges. Congestion around Tan Son Nhat Airport and shopping districts has intensified, with traffic volume up by 17% in central areas. Construction and parked vehicles on key routes like Dinh Bo Linh Street have further choked traffic, prompting Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to order immediate solutions to ease the situation.
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