Hanoi to pilot traffic restrictions on trucks and container vehicles
The move aims to release growing inner-city traffic congestion and enhance road safety.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi will pilot traffic restrictions on heavy trucks and container vehicles on several major routes during peak hours from January 1 to March 31, 2026.
The trial will apply to trucks weighing 10 tons or more and container vehicles on Thang Long Boulevard and National Highway 32 heading toward Ring Road 3 during rush hours from 6:30 AM to 9 AM and from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
During the same periods, truck access will also be banned on the Lang - Hoa Lac route in the inbound direction, while outbound traffic will continue to operate as normal.
A lot of cars anf trucks travel on Ring Road 3. Photo: VNA
The municipal government also plans to restrict certain delivery trucks from entering downtown Hanoi during peak hours, including vehicles falsely marked as postal or express delivery services, which have caused disorder within inner-city streets.
Nguyen Phi Thuong, Director of the municipal Department of Construction, told a city meeting on December 23 that the solution is expected to handle major congestion bottlenecks, particularly around the elevated Ring Road 3.
"We have encouraged relevant units to proactively review and adjust transport plans, routes and operating schedules to align with the pilot traffic arrangement," said Thuong.
Transport operators are requested to inform drivers to strictly comply with traffic signs, guidance systems and police instructions during the trial period and promptly report any obstacles to the department for review.
This week, the city will work with the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security and the Vietnam Road Administration under the Ministry of Construction to begin restricting vehicle flow on Ring Road 3.
Moreover, Hanoi will run an emergency project starting January 1, 2026 to ease congestion at the Phap Van - Cau Gie interchange, one of the capital’s most complex traffic junctions.
According to Thuong, traffic congestion is a “long-term battle,” but immediate interventions are essential to prevent worsening the condition.
"In the long term, Hanoi aims to boost high-capacity public transportation while restricting private vehicle use and restructuring overall traffic organization," he said.
