Traffic jam in Hanoi: Cars encroach on lanes, motorbikes fill in the gaps

In July 2025, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. every day, Ho Tung Mau and Xuan Thuy streets (Hanoi) often experience local congestion due to increased traffic volume.

Many cars encroached on the right lane, motorbikes weaved through small gaps or climbed onto sidewalks to escape the crowd, creating a chaotic traffic scene.

Taxi driver Vu Van Thai said that there are no lanes on the Ho Tung Mau and Xuan Thuy routes, so traffic is chaotic. Motorbikes often jostle in front of cars, even cutting in front.

Mr. Thai shared, "Every morning, there is often local congestion. Motorbikes climb onto the sidewalk, cars try to encroach on the lane. There are lane markings on the road, but few people follow them. As soon as there is a gap, people crowd in, fighting for every meter of road." Fighting for the road not only makes traffic more chaotic, but also poses many potential risks of accidents.

Another taxi driver, Tran Duc Tan, added that the lack of clear lane separation forces drivers to constantly deal with situations. A slight loss of concentration can lead to collisions, vehicle damage, or injuries. Tan said that this chaotic traffic situation not only causes congestion but also poses a high risk of collisions, especially during rush hour or in bad weather.

A leader of Traffic Police Team No. 6 (Traffic Police Department, Hanoi City Police) informed that during rush hours, local traffic congestion often occurs at the intersections between Ho Tung Mau Street, Pham Hung Street and Xuan Thuy Street. The unit must increase the Traffic Police force to regulate and handle violations of regulations on road traffic safety and order.

To improve the situation, Hanoi will install a camera system and pilot the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze traffic flow. This system will adjust traffic light signals appropriately in real time and detect and handle drivers who violate the law.