Hanoi launches support for low‑income residents to replace high‑emission motorbikes

The Hanoi city government has approved a programme to help low‑income households replace motorcycles that do not meet the new national emission standards. Under the plan, eligible families can receive up to 20 million VND (about US$850) toward purchasing a cleaner vehicle, with the first‑time emissions test provided free of charge. The scheme is part of the implementation of the national technical emission standard for motorcycles, coordinated by the Construction Department, Finance Department, Public Security and other city agencies.

At the same time, the Ministry of Construction addressed public concerns over the current diesel‑exhaust testing method, which involves a one‑second throttle pedal (“đạp ga trong 1 giây”). Officials said the method, which measures smoke using a short‑acceleration cycle, remains necessary because no alternative testing system is currently available, and it complies with practices used in many countries. The ministry pledged to monitor safety and continue research into modern measurement technologies.