Hanoi will start low-emission zones in the city center and expand later, but parking is a big issue.

Nguyen Van Thanh, a former roads director, says Hanoi is being careful with the plan.

The pilot program was narrowed to 0.5 square kilometers in Hoan Kiem, and restrictions will be limited at first.

Vehicle restrictions will apply mainly on weekends and certain hours.

This is a very gradual approach, says Thanh.

Limiting motor vehicles affects people's lives, especially those who use ride-hailing services.

Hanoi chose Hoan Kiem for the pilot program after careful thought.

Hoan Kiem has a high population and complicated traffic, making it a good test area.

Residents in the area have higher living standards and may adapt to green transport easily.

Hoan Kiem already has pedestrian zones on weekends, which helps with low-emission traffic.

Testing the policy in this area will provide many practical lessons.

The policy is necessary, but implementation must balance environment and social stability.

The city cannot move too quickly, but it also cannot lack planning.

Parking infrastructure is a key bottleneck.

Experts say parking infrastructure is essential for transport transfers and reducing traffic pressure.

Hanoi lacks a clear parking development strategy, says Thanh.

Demand for parking is high, but many projects have not started yet.

Unauthorized parking lots are spreading, causing urban disorder and unfair competition.

Hanoi needs more parking facilities in the city center and transfer hubs along ring roads.

These locations would allow commuters to park and use public transport.

Hanoi lacks large-scale, properly planned parking facilities at gateways and traffic corridors.

This gap prevents people from switching to buses, taxis, or metro systems.

Investment mechanisms are not attractive.

Weak investment incentives slow down parking facility development.

The government regulates parking fees, making it hard for businesses to profit.

Unauthorized parking lots create unequal competition.

The state should lead in building parking infrastructure and auction rights to private operators.

This model would improve management and attract private participation.

Land designated for parking projects must be used for its intended purpose.

Hanoi should use surplus land to expand parking infrastructure and meet urban demand.

Parking systems should include integrated transfer hubs farther from the city center.

The rollout of low-emission zones is a trend for major cities worldwide.

For Hanoi, the challenge is building a sustainable urban transportation ecosystem.

Parking infrastructure and public transit are the foundation of this ecosystem.

Vu Diep