Motorbikes enter the alley to go against traffic onto the overpass at Nga Tu So intersection.

For over two years, residents in several alleys off Nguyen Trai and Thuong Dinh streets (Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi) have installed barriers to block motorbikes during morning rush hour.

The reason given by residents is that during rush hour, many motorbikes enter the alley to go against the traffic flow towards the Nga Tu So overpass, causing congestion and traffic safety hazards. Many motorbikes entering the alley have also caused traffic accidents. There have even been cases of arguments and altercations between local residents and those using the alley.

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Residents lock barricades to block the entrance during the morning rush hour. Photo: Pham Hai

According to Mr. Nguyen Dinh Que, Secretary of the Party Branch of Mechanical Engineering Residential Area 2B, only those who regularly use the alleyway as a shortcut oppose the installation of the barrier, while the residents of the area are very supportive.

Meanwhile, Mr. Le Quang Vinh, Deputy Head of Neighborhood Group No. 1, shared that there was a time when the neighborhood watch force stood guard at the entrance of the alley to prevent motorbikes from going against the traffic flow from the alley onto Nguyen Trai Street, but the motorbike drivers argued and even clashed with the neighborhood watch force.

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Mr. Nguyen Tien Khang, Secretary of the Party Branch of Mechanical Engineering Residential Area 2A, said that after the barriers were installed, people's travel has become more convenient. In particular, there is no longer the situation of motorbikes cutting across and going against the traffic on Nguyen Trai Street to get onto the Nga Tu So overpass.

"I suggest that the People's Committee of the ward and the ward police allow the barrier to remain closed during peak hours or find alternative solutions to ensure safety," said Mr. Nguyen Tien Khang.

Does installing barriers contribute to traffic safety?

Regarding the residents' actions of blocking the alleyway with barriers to prevent motorbikes from entering, Mr. Tran Phan My, Vice Chairman of the Ward People's Committee, stated that according to the law, residents blocking the alleyway is incorrect and the local authorities do not permit this behavior. However, if the barriers are not closed, thousands of residents in the area will be affected.

"In the coming time, we will work with relevant authorities and the public to find solutions to ensure compliance with the law while still guaranteeing safe travel for people," said Mr. Tran Phan My.

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Many alleys are narrow, some only 0.8m wide. Photo: Pham Hai

Representatives from the Thuong Dinh Ward Police also stated that many people cross Nguyen Trai Street, drive against the traffic flow onto the Nga Tu So overpass, and disregard police instructions. In some cases, individuals even insult or ram their vehicles into officers on duty.

"According to our observations, since the barriers were installed in the alleys off Nguyen Trai and Thuong Dinh streets, there is no longer any situation of motorbikes going against the traffic flow to get onto the Nga Tu So overpass," a representative from the Thuong Dinh Ward Police assessed.

Representatives from Traffic Police Team No. 7 (Hanoi City Police Traffic Department) also stated that the deliberate crossing of Nguyen Trai Street and driving against the flow of traffic onto the Nga Tu So overpass has been going on for a long time. The unit regularly deploys officers to handle the situation, but when traffic police are absent, road users intentionally violate the rules.

"While residents arbitrarily installing barriers to block vehicles from entering the alley is against regulations, it actually prevents vehicles from deliberately driving against the flow of traffic," a representative from Traffic Police Team No. 7 assessed.

A representative from Traffic Police Team No. 7 added that, in order to find a solution that is both legal and prevents driving against the flow of traffic, local authorities need to hold meetings with residents to resolve the difficulties.