From August 1st, Ho Chi Minh City officially implemented new regulations regarding operating hours and permits for cargo vehicles and trucks circulating in the inner city area. This regulation marks a significant turning point in efforts to address traffic congestion and improve urban living quality. Accordingly, the truck ban in downtown Ho Chi Minh City has been specified with clear time frames and restricted areas, directly impacting transportation and logistics activities in the city.
According to the new regulations, light trucks, specifically vehicles with a load capacity under 2,500 kg, will not be allowed to travel into the inner city area during two peak hours: from 6 AM to 9 AM and from 4 PM to 8 PM daily. For heavy trucks, the regulations are even stricter, with the ban extended from 6 AM to 10 PM every day. However, to ensure essential goods transportation activities are not completely halted, the city has also designated several corridor routes allowing trucks to circulate on the outskirts of the inner city.
Light truck prohibited from operating during peak hours in downtown Ho Chi Minh City
These corridor routes include the northern and western areas with National Highway 1, section from Hanoi Highway to Nguyen Van Linh Street. The eastern direction is bounded by Hanoi Highway, section from National Highway 1 to Cat Lai intersection, Mai Chi Tho Street (section from Dong Van Cong Street to Vo Chi Cong Street). To the south, the traffic corridor includes Vo Chi Cong Street (from Dong Van Cong Street to Phu My Bridge), Phu My Bridge to the elevated road (from Phu My Bridge to Area A Nam Saigon intersection), and Nguyen Van Linh Street (section from Area A Nam Saigon intersection to National Highway 1). The clear definition of these corridor routes helps transportation businesses proactively adjust their routes, ensuring smooth goods delivery operations in the context of the downtown truck ban.
Map of downtown area and traffic corridors for trucks in Ho Chi Minh City
The main reason leading to the decision to ban trucks from downtown Ho Chi Minh City stems from the increasingly complex traffic situation in the city. The rapid increase in the number of trucks, along with operations not adhering to regulated hours, has caused severe congestion on many roads. Restricting light truck operations during the daytime is considered a necessary solution to reduce traffic pressure, especially as the city strives to improve infrastructure and seek more sustainable transportation solutions.
Previously, at a meeting summarizing traffic safety in the first 6 months of 2017, the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee requested the Department of Transport to lead the research on a plan to prohibit light trucks from operating during the daytime. This downtown truck ban decision is the result of a thorough research and evaluation process, aiming to ensure traffic safety, reduce congestion, and move towards building a civilized and modern city. The new regulation is not only a traffic management measure but also demonstrates the city’s government’s determination to create a better living environment for its citizens.
