Many vehicles go in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 bridge

Ben Thuy 1 Bridge crosses the Lam River, connecting Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces. Every day, the traffic volume of cars, motorbikes, and non-motorized vehicles... passing through the bridge is very large.

Previously, due to motorbikes sharing lanes with cars, many serious accidents occurred on the bridge, causing many casualties. To ensure traffic safety, the authorities have installed signs separating motorbikes and cars at both ends of the bridge. Specifically, motorbikes and non-motorized vehicles circulate on the two roads on the side of the bridge, while cars circulate in the two lanes in the middle of the bridge.

However, according to the reporter's records, since the beginning of the year, the situation of people driving in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge has been quite common. Especially motorbikes and rudimentary vehicles often drive into the lane reserved for cars, potentially causing traffic jams and accidents.

Mr. Le Van Trung from Nghi Xuan district, Ha Tinh province, who works in Vinh city, said: I often go through Ben Thuy 1 bridge and see many motorbikes mistakenly go into the car lane, causing chaotic traffic; many vehicles also tow bulky goods, crossing the opposite lane, forcing car drivers to brake suddenly.

According to research, there are some cases of going in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge because it is the first time and they are confused, or do not pay attention to the signs at the bridge entrance. However, there are many cases of deliberately going in the wrong lane, causing traffic insecurity.

A representative of the Traffic Police Team, Vinh City Police, said that the unit will increase inspections and coordinate with the Traffic Police Team, Nghi Xuan District Police (Ha Tinh) to handle cases of intentionally driving in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge.

It is known that not only motorbikes drive in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge, but there have also been cases of cars making U-turns on this bridge in the past and have been strictly handled according to regulations.

According to the sign at the bridge head, the fine for motorbikes driving in the wrong lane is from 200,000 to 400,000 VND, according to point g, clause 4, article 6 of Decree 171/2013.

However, according to point d, clause 3, article 7 of Decree 168/2024 effective from January 1, 2025, the fine for driving in the wrong lane for motorbikes has increased, from 600,000 - 800,000 VND. Therefore, traffic participants need to pay attention to observe and drive in the correct lane to ensure safety as well as avoid being fined. In addition, the authorities need to update the fine on the signs so that people can clearly understand.