The restrictions took effect on the evening of July 3, prohibiting motorcycles, scooters and cars from entering 12 streets in Zone 1 of Hoan Kiem Ward between 7 pm and midnight.
The affected streets are 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.
Hanoi is home to more than 8 million vehicles. Road transport has been identified as one of the city's largest sources of emissions, contributing to poor air quality in the urban centre at various times of the year.
On the first evening of enforcement, many residents appeared uncertain about the new restrictions. People who explained that they lived in or needed to access Zone 1 were instructed by checkpoint staff to dismount and push their motorcycles to their destinations.
Le Viet Nghia, a staff member stationed at the Dao Duy Tu, Ma May intersection, said most residents had complied with the new rules despite it being the first day of implementation.
Residents were seen pushing their motorcycles home after passing through a checkpoint at the Hang Bo, Luong Van Can junction.
"I fully support the city's policy because it will help create a cleaner environment, but people also need time to adapt to the new rules," Thu Huong, a 28-year-old resident of Hang Ngang Street, said.
Checkpoint staff also turned away ride hailing motorcycle drivers attempting to enter the low emission zone.
"I only found out the road was closed when I arrived. I had a delivery for a customer on Hang Bac Street, but I couldn't get in, so I had to call and ask the customer to come out and collect it," Grab driver Ly Nam said.
In addition to setting up checkpoints at the entrances to the restricted streets, Hoan Kiem Ward Police and local authorities have been carrying out regular patrols to remind residents not to ride motorcycles within the low emission zone.
Police officers also used loudspeakers to instruct riders to dismount and push their motorcycles through the restricted area.
As the scheme is still in its initial phase, many people remain unfamiliar with the boundaries of the low emission zone. Police said they would continue focusing on public guidance and awareness rather than enforcement.
Despite repeated reminders from officers and checkpoint staff, some people continued riding motorcycles within Zone 1 on the first night of the restrictions.
Under the Capital Law, a low emission zone is an area designated to restrict vehicles that contribute to environmental pollution in order to improve air quality.
Hanoi introduced the low emission zone initiative to curb transport related emissions, improve air quality, particularly by reducing PM2.5 fine particulate pollution, and help meet Vietnam's commitments on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
