Starting June 2025, Hanoi has taken a significant leap forward in integrating technology with public safety efforts by officially merging the Zalo Official Account (OA) "Hanoi Traffic Police Department" with the iHanoi digital citizen application. This move aims to streamline the process through which residents can report traffic violations, enhancing the city's ability to maintain order and safety on its roads.
The integration means that when citizens spot traffic infractions, they can send their reports directly through the Zalo platform, which will then guide them to scan a QR code or access a link to submit their complaints on the iHanoi app. For those who already have the app installed, reports can be submitted via the "Feedback, Suggestions" section. For newcomers, the system offers detailed instructions on how to download and use the app, ensuring accessibility for all.
Once a report is submitted through iHanoi, it is forwarded to relevant departments under the City People's Committee, including the Hanoi City Police. These agencies are responsible for verifying the claims, conducting inspections, handling violations, and providing feedback to the complainants as per the regulations. This system not only modernizes the management of traffic violations but also empowers citizens to play a more active role in supervising traffic safety and contributing to the development of a civilized, modern urban environment.
The foundation for this integration was laid back in August 2023, when the Hanoi City Police launched the Zalo OA "Hanoi Traffic Police Department" as part of a broader plan initiated by the City People's Committee to encourage public participation in monitoring traffic order and safety violations. This channel quickly proved its worth, attracting nearly 82,000 accounts interested in the service and receiving over 16,000 reports from citizens.
Of these reports, 4,758 were substantiated enough to warrant official verification and processing. The authorities, acting on these verified reports, issued fines for 3,161 cases of traffic violations. These enforcement actions brought in more than 4 billion Vietnamese dong for the state budget and resulted in the temporary seizure of 132 vehicles. These figures underscore the system's effectiveness in not only detecting but also deterring traffic offenses.
The iHanoi app itself, officially launched on June 26, 2024, under Decision No. 3288/QD-UBND by the City People's Committee, serves as a comprehensive digital platform connecting citizens and businesses with government authorities across all levels. Beyond traffic violation reporting, the app enables residents to promptly raise issues concerning various aspects of urban life, while also accessing a suite of smart city utilities designed to improve their daily experiences.
By integrating the Zalo OA with iHanoi, Hanoi is not just adopting a new tool but fostering a culture of civic engagement and transparency. The system leverages the widespread use of smartphones and popular messaging platforms to facilitate a direct, user-friendly communication channel between the public and law enforcement. This approach helps bridge the gap between citizens and authorities, making it easier for people to contribute to the city's safety and order.
Moreover, the initiative reflects a broader trend in urban governance toward digital transformation and smart city development. By harnessing technology, Hanoi aims to create a more responsive, efficient, and participatory government that can address challenges in real-time and with greater accuracy.
Officials emphasize that this integration is more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic move to modernize traffic management and enhance public trust. They highlight the role of citizens as active partners in monitoring and reporting violations, which complements the efforts of the police and other regulatory bodies.
With nearly 82,000 users already engaged through the Zalo OA and thousands of reports successfully processed, the system demonstrates a promising model for other cities grappling with traffic safety issues. It shows that when technology meets community involvement, the results can be tangible and impactful.
In the coming months, Hanoi plans to further promote the use of iHanoi and continue refining the integration to make reporting even more accessible and efficient. The hope is that this will lead to a sustained reduction in traffic violations, safer streets, and a better quality of life for all residents.
As urban centers worldwide wrestle with the complexities of traffic management, Hanoi's initiative offers a compelling example of how digital tools can empower citizens and authorities alike. This partnership between technology and community vigilance could well be a blueprint for future smart city innovations.
