HÀ NỘI — The Transport Ministry is promoting the use of technology in an effort to better manage the country’s highways, a ministry official said.

Accordingly, technology will be deployed in non-stop toll collection and vehicle weight supervision.

The ministry’s plans were presented last week by Vũ Anh Tuấn, deputy head of Việt Nam Expressway Administration, to ministry officials, the traffic police and transportation experts.

So far, 12 highways covering 745 kms have been put into operation nationwide.

However, all is not smoooth running. Residents have been removing road barriers, walking or waiting on highways and even opening food stalls along some roads. Controversially high toll fees are also among the problems, experts at the conference agreed.

Transport Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hồng Trường said that highways help reduce travel time, cut down expenses and accelerate socio-economic development, security and defence in many regions. However, the management of highways is a relatively new job and has its own difficulties.

Nguyễn Văn Nhi, deputy director of Việt Nam Expressway Corporation (VEC), management of the Nội Bài-Lào Cai expressway has been particularly difficult, including challenges in policies, sign systems and user awareness.

VEC will continue to cooperate with local authorities to raise awareness among residents living along highways and stiffen punishments for theft and throwing rocks at vehicles, while clamping down on overloaded vehicles and those which pick up passengers illegally on the way, he said.

Trịnh Văn Sỹ, deputy head of Hà Nội traffic police, suggested installing cameras to capture license plates of drivers violating traffic laws. — VNS