From the end of February to November 2022, the Viet Nam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM) and relevant agencies are implementing a pilot programme to conduct a free-of-charge motorbike exhaust emission test to remove old and poor quality vehicles from the roads.

An estimated 3,000 vehicles that have been on the roads for more than five years now have their missions measured at eight inspection stations in Da Nang. Photo: VGP

The move aims to reduce emissions into the air, improve environmental quality, traffic safety and community health and build Da Nang into an environmentally-friendly city.

Currently, there are about 807,430 motorbikes (not including motorbikes from other cities and provinces nationwide with a usage period of more than five years, that need to be checked for emissions and maintained to ensure safety and technical requirements.

Under the scheme, an estimated 3,000 vehicles that have been on the roads for more than five years will have their missions measured at eight inspection stations in the districts of Ngu Hanh Son, Cam Le, Hai Chau and Thanh Khe.

Relevant local agencies shall encourage civil servants, public officials and local residents to participate in the ongoing pilot emission measurement programmers in suitable and flexible forms in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing programme is expected to cost VND3.91 billion, of which over VND3.4 billion is funded by VAMM to cover the inspection equipment, inspection and maintenance costs and the replacement of spare parts for motorbikes. The rest is provided by the Center for Living and Learning for the Environment and Community under the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations for the implementation of other activities within the framework of the programme.

The programme features two main activities, namely assessing the current emission status of motorcycles and mopeds and researching, surveying and assessing the socio-economic impacts of controlling motorcycle emissions.

Under the programme, vehicles of over-five-year-use have their oil changed and their emission capacity check for free of charge.

In addition, in case the vehicle does not meet the emission standards, a part of the maximum maintenance cost is supported with no more than VND200,000/vehicle to repair parts related to emissions.

As revealed by Director of the Da Nang Department of Natural Resources and the Environment To Van Hung, according to the city's air quality monitoring data, the load of pollutants arising from vehicles in the city at this time is expected to be on a strong upward trend.

From now till 2030, motorbikes will be the main means of transport and emit the largest amount of pollutants into the air environment.

Therefore, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment have partnered with VAMM to promote the pilot programme to control motorcycle emissions in recent years.

In the near future, the Da Nang departments of Natural Resources and the Environment, Transport and Police, the VAMM, the Center for Living and Learning for the Environment and Community, and the Institute of Transport Science and Technology (ITST) will enter into a cooperation agreement to pilot the emission control of motorcycles circulating in the city.

Reporting by NAM TRAN – Translating by A.THU