Hanoi will begin a low-emission zone around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter Night Market on July 1 to reduce traffic emissions and improve air quality.

The plan, approved on Monday, will create low-emission zones within Ring Road 1 between 2026 and 2030. The first phase will run from July 1 to December 31, 2026.

Area 1 is bounded by 11 streets, including Trang Tien and Le Thai To.

Area 2 is enclosed by Hang Dau, Phung Hung, and Trang Thi streets.

The initial phase aims to establish a model for low-emission zones and raise public awareness.

During the pilot, restrictions will focus on public communication and encouraging greener transport.

A low-emission zone restricts polluting vehicles to improve air quality.

The initiative aims to reduce transport emissions, improve air quality, and support Vietnam's climate commitments. It will also lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Within Area 1, motorcycles and cars are prohibited from entering the area on weekends.

The city is encouraging a reduction in gasoline-powered ride-hailing motorcycles and private motorcycles.

For buses and employee shuttle services, authorities are promoting clean-energy vehicles.

Gasoline-powered vehicles carrying over 16 passengers can only operate outside peak hours.

Trucks weighing less than two tons are restricted to off-peak hours.

Stricter vehicle restrictions will start in 2027.

The second phase, from 2027, will expand the pilot area to include a third zone.

This area will be bounded by 14 streets, including Nguyen Du and Tran Hung Dao.

Hanoi plans to introduce stricter measures, including banning gasoline-powered ride-hailing motorcycles.

The city will also prohibit trucks weighing over 3.5 tons from entering these areas.

Low-emission zones will cover the entirety of Ring Road 1 from 2028 to 2029.

Ring Road 1 encompasses nine wards and is bounded by several roads.

Hanoi plans to ban gasoline-powered motorcycles that fail to meet emission standards.

The phased approach reflects the city's strategy to improve air quality.

The plan is part of Hanoi's efforts to reduce emissions.