The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Construction, is finalizing a roadmap for mandatory motorcycle emissions control, slated for implementation between 2026 and 2030.

As of now, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City alone have tens of millions of vehicles that are over a decade old, many of which are outdated motorcycles emitting thick, black smoke.

Both cities are actively discussing strategies to limit high-emission vehicles from further degrading air quality.

According to official statistics, Hanoi has more than 7.5 million motorcycles, nearly 60% of which have been in use for over 10 years. Ho Chi Minh City has approximately 8 million motorcycles, most of which have never undergone emissions testing.

Despite their deteriorated condition, countless aging motorcycles continue to operate, discharging thick black smoke throughout the streets. These emissions contribute severely to urban pollution and directly impact public health.

While automobiles are subject to regular emissions inspections, many degraded vehicles still fall short of standards yet remain on the roads. Of particular concern are older diesel trucks, passenger buses, and coaches, which are among the largest sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Experts argue that beyond administrative measures like bans or restrictions, it is urgent to implement economic instruments to manage non-compliant vehicles and encourage behavioral changes among users.

Some proposed solutions include: emissions-based fees, environmental taxes tied to pollution levels, higher registration costs for old vehicles, and financial incentives for switching to electric or eco-friendly vehicles.

Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have already implemented comprehensive policies combining administrative and financial mechanisms, enabling citizens to voluntarily replace polluting vehicles instead of facing forced bans.

For instance, Singapore imposes a special consumption tax based on CO₂ emissions. Older or high-emission vehicles are heavily taxed, while electric and hybrid vehicles receive tax refunds.

In South Korea, people who exchange old vehicles for eco-friendly models receive direct government subsidies.

Domestically, major cities could pilot a "traffic environmental fee" in central urban areas. This not only discourages the use of old vehicles but also generates funds to invest in clean public transportation systems.

At the same time, Vietnam should develop a mechanism to collect and scrap old motorcycles with financial support, similar to the vehicle trade-in programs currently under consideration in several provinces.

PV