National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chung Luu has announced that the imposition of traffic fees would play some part in easing congestion, but the level of the charges would take into account people's earnings.
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| National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chung Luu said the NA would take on board people’s current earnings before setting a vehicle levy and congestion charge fee. |
“Public opinion is divided over traffic fees. The Ministry of Transport’s recent proposal to levy yearly traffic fees on personal cars and motorbikes, as well as a charge on cars that enter city centres during rush hours is expected to help ease traffic congestion and minimise traffic accidents. It also aims to raise funds for traffic and transportation investment and maintenance. However, careful consideration must be taken before deciding the levels and means of fee collection,” he emphasised.
He added that the NA would do its utmost to contribute to the efforts to curb traffic congestion.
The Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang recently replied to public concerns over his proposal by saying that NA deputies should have a consistent approach to the issue. He said the public were eager to ease traffic congestion, but were now complaining about a possible solution in the form of vehicle fees and congestion charges.
According to the proposal, which was submitted to the government on December 30, 2011, cars with fewer than 9 seats will pay a traffic fee of from VND20 million-VND50 million (USD950) per year, depending on their engine size. Meanwhile, motorbike users will pay an annual fee of $24-48.
In addition to these fees, drivers of cars with up to seven seats entering city centres during rush hours would also have to pay a charge of VND30,000, with other kinds of vehicles being charged VND50,000.
Peak travel times have been set as being from 6-8.30 am and from 4-7 pm daily, excluding weekends.
Many Hanoians troubled by traffic jams daily
