(Hanoi, 11th) In response to worsening air pollution, the Vietnamese government announced that starting July 1, 2026, all gasoline-powered motorcycles and small mopeds will be banned from operating within Hanoi city’s Ring Road 1.
Hanoi has long been ranked among the world’s cities with the worst air quality, with air and water pollution seriously affecting residents’ health and quality of life. To address this, the government is gradually advancing a “smoke-free city” plan, aiming to improve the environment through phased traffic restrictions.
According to VietNamNet News, the ban will roll out in phases, with the restricted area expanding to inside Ring Road 2 from January 1, 2028, and beginning to limit private gasoline vehicles. Starting in 2030, the ban will extend to within Ring Road 3.
In addition, the Hanoi city government must announce the “low emission zone” plan before the third quarter of this year and launch a comprehensive publicity campaign to help citizens adapt to policy changes.
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed local governments at all levels to simultaneously upgrade public transport systems, develop electric buses and urban light rail, and accelerate the construction of clean energy vehicle infrastructure, including charging stations and maintenance services.
The government is also considering increasing registration and parking fees for fossil fuel vehicles within the city center, with detailed standards expected to be announced before the end of the year.
In terms of environmental initiatives, Pham Minh Chinh also requested that by the third quarter of this year, Hanoi formulate cleaning plans for city center rivers, streams, and canals, and relocate polluting factories out of residential areas by 2028.
At the same time, starting in the fourth quarter of this year, Hanoi will pilot a ban on single-use plastic products in the food and beverage industry within Ring Road 1, and invest in building high-tech waste treatment plants to reduce landfill and garbage accumulation.
This series of new environmental policies marks a key step for Vietnam towards building a greener city.