Motorbike taxi drivers in Hà Nội. Drivers of xe ôm and drivers of non-motorised vehicles will have to register with authorised agencies, according to a new draft regulation set forth by Hà Nội Department of Transport. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoài Thu

HÀ NỘI — Drivers of xe ôm – or motorbike taxis – carrying passengers and goods and drivers of non-motorised vehicles will have to register with authorised agencies, according to a new draft regulation on the management and use of non-motorised vehicles and motorcycles in the capital city of Hà Nội.
The draft regulation, which has been compiled by the municipal Department of Transport, has been submitted to the Hà Nội People’s Committee for approval.
It states that drivers of non-motorised vehicles must be at least 15 and strong enough to drive as well as have certain knowledge on road traffic regulations. They must register with local administration for work licences.
They are required to bring all necessary documents including vehicle registration certificates, business licences and papers to show that they are permanent residents or temporary residents while travelling on the road.
Drivers must have held driving licences granted by authorised agencies which are relevant to the vehicles they are driving and provide a helmet for people who ride pillion behind the motorcycle operator, it said.
The drivers are asked to hand back work licences to management agencies if they don’t work from over 30 days or submit a report which was certified by local police in case they lose the licences.
The new regulation will take effect in January 2021.
The regulation was aimed at strengthening state management to these kinds of vehicles, said Vũ Hà, deputy director of Hà Nội Department of Transport.
“The new regulation will help create civilised and modern transportation habits for the city’s residents and improve the quality of transportation services towards reducing the number of traffic accidents and environmental pollution,” he said.
It was expected that it would provide more transparency between businesses and individuals engaged in transportation by motorbikes. — VNS