Ha Noi begins restricting fossil-fuel vehicles in low-emission zones

This is part of the capital city's pilot plan to limit fossil-fuel vehicles its central area in order to reduce air pollution.

Zone 1 encompasses streets: Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Buom, Ma May, Hang Bac, Hang Mam, Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To and Ngo Quyen.

Zone 2 covers streets: Trang Thi, Tho Nhuom (Trang Thi–Hang Bong section), Hang Bong (Tho Nhuom–Phung Hung section), Phung Hung (Hang Bong–Le Van Linh and Le Van Linh–Phan Dinh Phung sections), Phan Dinh Phung (Phung Hung–Hang Dau section), Hang Dau, Tran Nhat Duat, Tran Quang Khai, Trang Tien and Hang Khay, linking back to the Old Quarter.

All road vehicles, including motorcycles, mopeds and cars, will be prohibited from entering Zone 1 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Priority vehicles, as prescribed by law, will continue to have unrestricted access.

To encourage public transport use, Ha Noi will waive fares for public bus services—excluding commercial and tourist buses—for trips within Ring Road 1 from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

The city will also expand electric and other green-energy bus services, study the introduction of smaller buses suited to narrow streets in the central area, and improve connections with urban railway lines, transfer hubs and parking facilities.

In addition, Ha Noi plans to develop public bicycle and e-bike services, enhance infrastructure for pedestrians and non-motorized transport, and review the placement of parking areas, charging stations and battery-swapping facilities.

The city will implement support policies to help residents and businesses replace fossil fuel-powered vehicles with cleaner alternatives, in accordance with Resolution No. 68/2026/NQ-HDND and related implementation guidelines.

Authorities will also step up public communication and guidance to help people and businesses adapt their travel habits, transport choices and vehicle conversion plans during the pilot period./.