Vehicles running on fossil fuels are to blame for air pollution in big cities like Hanoi
This move is part of urgent measures to tackle environmental pollution in urban areas.
The directive instructs Hanoi to develop and publicly announce a plan for low-emission zones by quarter III of 2025, while also launching communication campaigns to raise public awareness and support for the transition.
A clear roadmap must be established through 2030 to develop a multi-modal public transport network that covers major routes, connects key areas, and includes charging stations for clean-energy vehicles.
Top priorities will be given to increasing the use of electric buses and urban railways, and implementing the Comprehensive Urban Railway Development Plan in accordance with National Assembly Resolution No. 188/2025.
The Hanoi administration is tasked with introducing policies to support enterprises that manufacture or assemble clean-energy vehicles, as well as those investing in clean transportation infrastructure.
In addition, the city must issue incentives to encourage residents to switch from fossil-fueled vehicles to clean-energy alternatives or public transport. These policies must be issued by September 30, 2025 at the latest.
The directive also calls for a study on increasing fees such as vehicle registration, license plate issuance, and parking charges for fossil-fueled vehicles operating in central urban areas. A detailed roadmap must be developed starting in quarter III of 2025, with annual adjustments.
According to the directive, no fossil-fueled motorcycles/motorbikes are allowed within Ring Road 1 from July 1, 2026. The city will ban motorbikes and limit fossil-fueled private cars within Ring Roads 1 and 2 from January 1, 2028. The ban will be further extended to Ring Road 3 from 2030.
Also in the directive, the Prime Minister has directed Hanoi to develop and implement a plan to address pollution in rivers, canals, and ditches within the urban core. A comprehensive plan to collect and treat household wastewater and solid waste citywide must also be completed by quarter III of 2025, with a focus on treating pollution at the source rather than shifting it elsewhere.
By 2028, polluting production facilities must be relocated to centralised industrial zones, and proper separation of stormwater and wastewater systems must be implemented. Starting in Quarter IV, urban areas without centralised wastewater treatment must face strict enforcement.
As part of the city's broader environmental efforts, Hanoi will pilot a ban on single-use plastic products in restaurants, hotels, beverage shops, and eateries within Ring Road 1 beginning in quarter IV of 2025, with plans to expand this initiative in subsequent years.
The directive also encourages both public and private sources to support modern recycling technologies, energy recovery from waste, and the development of recycling industrial zones and waste treatment plants, aiming to minimise landfill dependency and prevent environmental pollution and urban blight.