Hanoi, Vietnam - In a bid to enhance the operational framework for electric vehicles in the city and reduce traffic speed in its historic districts, the Hoan Kiem district proposed a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h for all vehicles in the Old Quarter. This initiative aligns with Hanoi's commitment to promoting environmentally friendly transportation methods while addressing the challenges posed by heavy pedestrian traffic in the tourist-heavy areas.
The proposal was highlighted during a recent meeting led by Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, who directed the Department of Construction to review the suggestion made by the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee in an official document dated March 21, 2025. An important element of this proposal is to facilitate the operation of electric tourist vehicles, which produce no emissions, thereby reducing the pollution levels in densely populated regions of the city.
According to Decree 165 established by the government, as of February 15, 2025, four-wheeled vehicles, including those powered by electric engines, are permitted to operate only on roads designated with speed limits of up to 30 km/h. This makes Hoan Kiem's proposal particularly relevant, given that many areas in the Old Quarter currently allow vehicular speeds of just 10 to 20 km/h due to their narrow streets.
Pham Tuan Long, the Chairman of the Hoan Kiem district, emphasized the need for these regulations by noting, "The streets in the Old Quarter have restricted cross-sections, with road widths often under 7 meters. As a result, vehicles generally travel at an average speed of 20-30 km/h, which corresponds well with the operational speed of electric tourist vehicles." This insight reinforces the need for the speed limit change in promoting more sustainable transport options.
Historically, the Old Quarter has been a vibrant hub for tourism, attracting countless visitors, both domestic and international. The district has facilities for pedestrian events on weekends, making it essential to balance tourist mobility with pedestrian safety.
Electric tourist vehicles, which have been operating successfully in locations like Hoan Kiem Lake and Thang Long Imperial Citadel, currently face operational challenges due to the new regulations limiting their routes. The Department of Construction acknowledged their importance, asserting that these vehicles play a vital role in enhancing the tourist experience in historical areas.
Recently, the electric vehicles on the Hoan Kiem - Thang Long Imperial Citadel route ceased operations one year after its launch. The route, which was inaugurated on February 5, 2024, by the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center in conjunction with Dong Xuan Corporation, was designed to provide tourists with accessibility to iconic destinations like Hoan Kiem Lake and historical quarters of the city.
The suspension of this route is chiefly attributed to the new governmental decree, mandating alternative travel routes for electric vehicles operating on major streets with maximum speeds above 30 km/h. While many public roads in the area permit speeds of 40 to 50 km/h, the realities of the Old Quarter demand a more nuanced approach to transportation management.
With this proposal, the city aims to actively work towards creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment while embracing eco-friendly transportation. The adjustability of speed limits is expected to accommodate the existing traffic conditions, thus making electric vehicles a more feasible option for tourists looking to explore historical landmarks.
Long concluded with a hopeful outlook, indicating that ameliorating the speed limits in the Old Quarter could pave the way for enhanced tourism and better environmental standards in Hanoi. "We are determined to establish a cleaner, quieter, and more accessible urban space for both residents and visitors, where electric vehicles can contribute positively to the city's cultural and economic landscape," he stated.
As discussions around these proposed regulations continue, the eyes of many stakeholders will be on how the changes develop in the coming months, with the expectation that these adjustments will contribute positively to Hanoi's tourism ecosystem and urban sustainability agenda.
