On the sidelines of the current session of the National Assembly Standing Committee in Hanoi, Minister of Transport Ho Nghia Dung granted an exclusive interview to the media on the issue.
Reporter: The government has allowed the fining of traffic violations via camera. However, in some areas, especially in
Minister Dung: In future, the Ministry will apply the fining of traffic violations through camera as this measure has been implemented in many countries. However, in
This measure was applied in several localities under their administrations' decisions. However, it revealed shortcomings and we will learn from them.
Reporter: The public is very worried about the number of cars and motorbikes which have been lost and damaged at car parking lots. What do you think about solutions to the problem?
Minister Dung: In the amended decree No 146, there is a regulation on suspending transport means if motoring offenders violate traffic laws. There are two ways of fining traffic violations such as keeping vehicles temporarily or driving licences. Depending on each case, police will make a decision. In my opinion, if the fining of traffic violations is to keep vehicles temporarily, it is necessary for relevant agencies to refine management. This is the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Security and we will work with the Ministry to monitor the issue.
Reporter: At the session of the NA Standing Committee, some deputies proposed removing the fine of keeping vehicles. What do you think about the issue?
Minister Dung: I think that we should apply the solution in the short-term. However, in the long-term, it is needed to consider increasing the fine for traffic violations. Strict punishment will help improve discipline and raise public awareness about the need to obey traffic rules. For example, those motoring offenders who do not wear helmets should be fined from VND100,000 to VND150,000 instead of VND20,000-30,000 and others who ignore red lights at least from VND100,000 to VND200,000. The fine is approximately equal to the price of a helmet. Such strict punishment will admonish motoring offenders.
Reporter: That road users directly paid a fine to traffic police has caused a number of negative phenomena. What do you think about this?
Minister Dung: We have intensified many measures to deal with violations of traffic law. Traffic police levy fines on motorbike offenders who then have to go the State Treasury to pay the fine. Sometimes, violators face difficulties in travelling and completing procedures. Paying fine directly to traffic polices has both advantages and disadvantages. This will save time, but negative phenomena may occur. We will continue considering this issue in order to map out the most practical solutions.
Reporter: An effective measure to limit the number of individual means of transport is to impose heavy taxes on them. Could you elaborate on this?
Minister Dung: We agreed to increase taxes on individual means of transport. In foreign countries, vehicle owners have to pay taxes and fees on transport and environment for the maintenance of roads and improvement of the traffic environment. However, in
Reporter: Many people said that traffic jams are attributed to limited space for transport activities. Could you talk about plans on adjusting the land fund?
Minister Dung: In fact, the land fund for transport activities is still limited. According to regulations, 20-25 percent of total land fund is allocated for transport activities. However, only 5-7 percent of total land fund is used for transport. Zoning traffic plans should be combined with overall plans on socio-economic development.
Reporter: After the exemption of motorbike registration restriction,
Minister Dung: We should not implement administrative measures to restrict motor registration. We should seek other measures.
Reporter: Thank you.
