Parking problem adds to traffic jams
Thang sent the proposal to the Ministry of Public Security as a measure to reduce traffic jams in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
According to the minister, the increasing number of private vehicles is one of the major causes for the two cities’ traffic congestion. Many car owners illegally use the pavement, the road itself or other public places as a parking lot.
Over the past few years, the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City people’s committees have carried out many measures to deal with their traffic problems, but the situation has yet to improve.
Hanoi has already instituted a regulation that requires proof of legal parking before the car registration. Private companies, individuals and organisations must show certification from local authorities confirming that they have parking spaces or contracts with parking lots for at least one year.
However, many got around this rule using falsified contracts with certification. Some of the parking areas in question had only enough space for 20-25 cars, but had contracts to accommodate more than 100. Houses covering only 25-30 square metres were also allowed to serve as a garage.
The Transport Minister has also urged the Ministry of Public Security to take stern actions to tackle false parking lot contracts.
At recent meetings on how to handle the traffic problem, Thang also voiced his opinion against leasing public pavement for parking use.