The Ministry of Transport has requested that toll stations be opened to traffic congestion during the April 30th - May 1st holiday.

The Ministry of Transport has just issued a document requesting units to strengthen measures to ensure traffic safety and order during the upcoming Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and the April 30th - May 1st holidays.

Accordingly, the General Department of Roads is requested to direct the Road Management Departments to strengthen the inspection and review of the road signage system to supplement and adjust it as appropriate. At the same time, they are to inspect and direct road toll stations to organize traffic flow, promptly handle and clear vehicles, and prevent traffic congestion at toll stations.

Toll stations must open their gates if traffic congestion occurs during the upcoming April 30th - May 1st holiday.

BOT toll stations proactively open the barriers to alleviate traffic congestion during prolonged traffic jams; they also take timely corrective measures in the event of incidents or accidents, especially on key transportation routes.

In addition, the General Department is coordinating with and directing the Departments of Transport in provinces and cities to strengthen measures to improve capacity, ensure safety and quality of passenger transport services; and strictly handle violations, especially regarding speeding, carrying more passengers than permitted, and illegal fare increases.

Construction units working on currently operational roads must have traffic management plans in place, restore the road surface, and ensure safe traffic flow, preventing traffic congestion caused by construction work.

The Ministry of Transport also requested that units widely publicize hotline numbers through mass media to receive public feedback on traffic safety and order; and promptly direct and coordinate with relevant agencies to resolve and address incidents and accidents.

According to Decree 46/2016/ND-CP on administrative penalties for violations in the field of road and rail transport, penalties are clearly stipulated when toll stations cause traffic congestion.

Accordingly, Article 15 stipulates: A fine of 8-10 million VND will be imposed on toll stations if: the number of cars queuing in front of the toll station on a single lane exceeds 100-150 vehicles, or the length of the queue is between 750-1,000 meters; or the time taken for any car to pass through the toll station, from the moment it stops to wait for toll collection until it leaves the station, exceeds 10-20 minutes.

Fines ranging from 10 to 20 million VND will be imposed on toll stations that cause traffic jams of over 150-200 vehicles, or traffic jams stretching 1-2 km; or where a single vehicle takes 20-30 minutes to queue to pay the toll.

Fines of 30-40 million VND will be imposed on toll stations that cause traffic jams of more than 200 vehicles, or where the length of the traffic jam exceeds 2km; or where a single vehicle waits in line at a toll station for more than 30 minutes.

Fines ranging from 50 to 70 million VND will be imposed on toll stations that allow the aforementioned violations to occur and fail to comply with the requirements of competent state management agencies regarding solutions to alleviate traffic congestion at the toll stations.

The authority to impose penalties includes: the Chairman of the District People's Committee (fines up to 20 million VND), the provincial level (fines up to 40 million VND); and the Traffic Inspectorate.

When traffic congestion occurs, in order to open the toll gates, the toll station must draw up a report, which must be confirmed by the competent state authority.