Motorcycle Emission Control in Major Cities Program of Vietnam (MECCP)

Abstract:

For the time being, motorcycles are a popular and indispensable means of transport for
Vietnamese people from urban to rural areas. In 1990s, along with the industrialization is
the motorization of transport means, bicycle was totally superseded by motorcycle. The
booming of motorcycle number in recent years is making Vietnam as the one of the most
world’s emerging motorcycle country.

Besides its tremendous usefulness because of cheap price compared with car and
convenience compared with bus, the overuse of motorcycles has caused traffic
congestion and air pollution in large cities of Vietnam. Air quality is worsening in large
cities, with motorcycles being the main source of toxic substances. Air pollution caused
by motorcycles is not only due to their large number, but also each motorcycle is a big
source of pollution. The authorities in large cities have adopted various measures to
reduce the number of motorcycles with aiming at reducing traffic congestion but with little
effect and the number of motorcycle still rising and will continue in the coming years.
Whereas very few measures to reduce motorcycle emissions has been mentioned.
Meanwhile, other emerging motorcycle countries such as China, Taiwan, Thailand,
India… have long history strictly adopted various measures to control motorcycle
emissions.

The actual conditions require a general strategy at national level to control motorcycle
emission, especially in-use motorcycles in central cities. This paper presents the main
contents of Motorcycle Emission Control in major Cities Program (MECCP) projected to
be submitted to the Government for approval.

Keywords: In-used Motorcycle Emission Control, Vietnam, Action Plan