Congestion in HCM City
The city authorities have started banning trucks from running in the city during daytime and limit passenger buses from entering the inner city. Starting from January 18, trucks that are over 2.5 tonnes will not be allowed to use the mixed lanes on National Highway 1, the section from Hanoi Highway to An Lac roundabout, during 6 am to 8 am, 11 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Centre for Management of Road Traffic Infrastructure was asked to work with related agencies to carry out the plan, install warning signs, announcement banners, and propose suitable adjustments.
District authorities were asked to inform the public about the plan, monitor and strictly deal with violations.
According to the Department of Transport, HCM City has over eight million cars and motorbikes. Each day, over 1,000 new vehicles are registered. Congestion has been a huge problem for the authorities as the number of private vehicles has increased while infrastructure development has lagged behind. Various measures have been implemented to deal with this problem.
In 2019, HCM City had 28 vulnerable spots. As of now, 15 spots have changed for the better, seven have seen little positive changes and six spots stay severe. The department said they were gathering opinions to erase six spots that have been dealt with and add more new spots for the 2020 plan.
However, it is agreed that public transport development and personal vehicle ban are long-term solutions. Public bus popularity and usage are also problems that must be addressed.
The department has built a plan to strengthen public transport and limit personal vehicles. HCM City People's Committee agreed with the plan in principals. The plan is still being completed and will be submitted to HCM City People's Council during the regular meeting in 2020.
