Speaking at a meeting on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized the need for a quicker and earlier application of vehicle emission standards in highly polluted cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to reduce the impact of vehicles on air quality.

According to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s emission standards for vehicles in operation and the application road map are being urgently completed for issuance.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment stated that these standards will be imposed on a large number of vehicles and will directly affect most of the population.

Therefore, more time is needed to assess the impact and develop the application road map and infrastructure for emission testing.

At the meeting, leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Construction discussed the responsibilities for issuing Vietnamese emission standards for road vehicles in operation, as well as their possible impact.

Officials exchange views on the responsibilities for issuing Vietnam’s emission standards for road vehicles in operation. Photo: Minh Khoi / Tuoi Tre

Deputy Prime Minister Ha stressed that the government paid much importance to the multi-dimensional impact of emission standards for road vehicles, especially the significant effects on currently operating vehicles, imported vehicles, and domestically produced vehicles.

Therefore, the process of building standards and application road map must clarify the political, legal, and practical foundations, with a multi-dimensional impact assessment and solutions to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions.

The deputy prime minister requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to fully absorb feedback and comply with environmental protection and road traffic safety regulations to build and issue emission standards.

During the establishment of emission standards for cars, motorcycles, and their application road map, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment must clarify the proportion of emissions from vehicles currently in operation in the total sources of air pollution.

Deputy PM Ha assigned the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Public Security to collaborate with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City authorities to review and update transport infrastructure planning to encourage the use of green transport, as well as support policies for transitioning from private vehicles to public transport means.

Additionally, these cities should design lanes exclusively for bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles, as well as increase public awareness about the harmful effects of vehicles causing air pollution.

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