Do not suddenly eliminate gasoline-powered motorcycles.

The transition from gasoline-powered motorcycles to electric ones has become urgent as air pollution in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City worsens. However, experts believe that a phased approach is necessary, avoiding an abrupt elimination of gasoline-powered motorcycles to prevent a public shock.

Step-by-step emission testing roadmap

At a seminar on vehicle emission testing and air pollution control organized by the People's Representatives Newspaper on the morning of November 25th, Mr. Truong Manh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Environmental Quality Management Department (Environmental Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), stated that the draft regulations on emission control this time focus on two common vehicle groups: motorcycles and scooters, excluding specialized vehicles.

Mr. Truong Manh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Environmental Quality Management Department.

According to Mr. Tuan, this group of vehicles accounts for a large proportion of urban traffic and directly impacts air quality. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is finalizing new emission control standards consisting of four levels, designed with a gradual increase to create a step-by-step transition, without abruptly eliminating gasoline-powered vehicles currently in circulation.

The implementation roadmap is also very clearly defined. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are expected to begin mandatory inspections from July 1, 2027; centrally-governed cities will implement them from July 1, 2028; and other localities will implement them later. After the implementation date, people will still have an additional 18 months to familiarize themselves with the new regulations, and no penalties will be applied during this period.

From an environmental science perspective, Professor Hoang Xuan Co, Head of the Science Committee (Vietnam Environmental Economics Association), believes that it is crucial to clearly define "the purpose of the inspection." Inspection data must be stored to assess emission levels, measure the effectiveness of pollution reduction, and serve as a basis for policy adjustments. He also emphasized the importance of coordination among agencies, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each party to ensure effective policy implementation.

Professor Nguyen Huu Dung, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Urban and Industrial Environment, believes that if Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City want to improve air quality, they must gradually limit the number of motorized vehicles, especially since the country currently has more than 70 million motorbikes.

According to Mr. Dung, it is impossible to ask people to immediately discard their old vehicles because these are the means of livelihood for millions of self-employed workers. Therefore, in addition to the vehicle inspection roadmap, the State needs to increase public transport capacity to create more suitable alternative options for people.

National Assembly representative Pham Van Hoa from Dong Thap province delivers a speech.

Pham Van Hoa, a National Assembly representative from Dong Thap province, also emphasized that Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest number of motorbike users in the world. Many families of three have all three using motorbikes. Therefore, all policies related to inspection, recall, or replacement must be carefully considered.

According to Mr. Hoa, inspecting old vehicles is necessary for classification and disposal, but the implementation process must take into account the fact that people still need vehicles for daily commuting, especially in the context of Hanoi soon implementing measures to restrict gasoline-powered vehicles in some central areas.

Ensuring social security and providing support to vulnerable groups.

From a social welfare perspective, National Assembly representative Bui Thi An of the 13th term argued that vehicle inspection is not only a vehicle management activity but also directly related to the health and lives of citizens, especially in Hanoi - where motor vehicles are a major source of pollution.

Ms. Bui Thi An affirmed that the environment and social welfare are always closely linked; a clean environment leads to healthy people, and good social welfare allows people to improve their quality of life. However, with approximately 2.5 million dilapidated vehicles currently in circulation, policies must carefully assess the social impact: Which groups are most affected, which groups need support, how much support is needed, and what alternative means of transportation people can switch to.

"It's unacceptable to ask people to abandon their old gasoline-powered vehicles when they don't have the means to switch. Support policies must reach the right people, especially those who make a living using motorbikes," said Ms. Bui Thi An, suggesting that the National Assembly issue a resolution to oversee this matter and make the data public so that people understand and participate.

Mr. Ta Dinh Thi, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment.

Mr. Ta Dinh Thi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, stated that the results of the thematic monitoring presented at the 10th session indicated that air pollution – especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – is at an alarming level. Therefore, developing a roadmap for controlling emissions from all road transport vehicles is necessary and urgent.

According to Mr. Thi, the Government has issued the National Action Plan on Air Quality Management for the period 2026-2030, setting a target that by 2030, all vehicles must have their emissions controlled according to national standards. To achieve this goal, the policy must be based on three pillars: feasible standards and regulations, modern inspection infrastructure, and effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, including the application of artificial intelligence.

The Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment emphasized that the roadmap must be implemented with a focus, prioritizing large cities under heavy pollution pressure, but absolutely must not cause sudden changes, ensuring a balance between the goal of environmental protection and the people's capacity to cope.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/khong-dot-ngot-loai-bo-xe-may-xang-20251125124550093.htm