Congested Trường Chinh Street ahead of the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Đức

HÀ NỘI — The capital Hà Nội will spend a total of over VNĐ1.8 trillion (US$79.1 million) on mitigating traffic congestion and ensuring traffic safety in the city in 2021-25.

The municipal People’s Committee has issued a plan for the municipal People’s Council-passed target programme on traffic.

The programme will be carried over five years with a budget allocated for each year: VNĐ336 billion ($14.5 million) for 2021, VNĐ343 billion for 2022, VNĐ401 billion for 2023, VNĐ425.8 billion for 2024, and VNĐ359 billion for 2025.

Each year, the capital city targets seven to ten traffic congestion hotspots, eliminating traffic ‘black spots’ and cutting the traffic accident rate by 5-10 per cent per year.

The local authorities have created ten groups of solutions including better management of high buildings and relocation of residents out of urban areas to reduce population density.

Industrial production sites which cause environmental pollution, universities, vocational schools, and administrative units are set to be relocated out of the city’s centre to increase land funds for traffic work.

Budgets will be given to improve public transport capacity and limit private vehicles in the long term.

Up to 180 roads at 12 districts will be enhanced, and more than 160 traffic lights installed.

Hà Nội will build an online digital traffic map to serve the management, operation and regulation of traffic and develop a smart parking search software to help people find parking spots and pay fees. — VNS