TV station to offer live Hanoi traffic updates

The Voice of Vietnam television has launched an Hanoi traffic advisory programme on its VOVTV channel.

The live Rush Hour Programme is telecast from 6.30am to 8am; from 11am to noon and 4.40pm to 6pm.

It provides information about traffic flow together with advice and on-the-spot reports.

"It\'s the first time television in Vietnam has collaborated with radio to telecast a traffic programme," said VOV general director Vu Van Hien.

The programme would help viewers evaluate traffic flow and choose their route, he said.

"It\'s useful," said Le Thi Thu of Truong Dinh Street who is frequently caught in traffic jams as she travels to and from her office.

"I now have more choices about the route I will travel in an effort to avoid delays."

Deputy Public Security Minister Nguyen Khanh Toan said it was hoped the programme would be extended to all provinces and cities with a focus on instruction; education about the traffic laws and social-security management.

A similar radio programme has been broadcast on VOV channel FM 91MHz, Hanoi, since May last year and 94MHz, Ho Chi Minh City, since January 2010.

The capital\'s pro-gramme provides information about traffic flow; the weather; and vehicle density based on pictures transmitted from 100 cameras at key intersections.

Hanoi Traffic and Transportation Department figures show that the city had more than 300,000 cars and more than 2 million motorbikes registered at the end of last year on more than 525km of road.

The city has 71 routes and numerous hot spots for rush-hour traffic jams.