Pho Hue-Hang Bai and Ba Trieu streets will become the first streets in Hanoi to have separate lanes for automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles from Sept. 20, in an attempt to ease traffic congestion and minimise accidents in the capital.

These traffic separation controls will also be introduced to Kim Ma, Tran Khat Chan-Dai Co Viet and Giai Phong streets this month.

The municipal Traffic Police Office said the model will be implemented on other streets if the project is successful after three months.

Drivers of automobiles who are driving in the wrong lane will be fined from 1-1.4 million VND and drivers of motorbikes face fines from 100,000-200,000 VND.

Apart from separating traffic, the city promotes education on traffic laws and checks and punishment of traffic violations – especially drivers who have been consuming alcohol – during Traffic Safety Month from September 1-30.

The city plans to launch e-cards for bus users in 2012 with a view to encouraging the people to use public transport, contributing to minimising traffic congestion.

According to the Hanoi Transport Department, the city has more than 4 million automobiles and motorbikes, of which motorbikes account for 95 percent. About 50,000 vehicles from other localities take part in the city’s traffic each day.

In comparison to the country’s volume of private means of transport, Hanoi has one eighth and one sixth of the total number of motorbikes and automobiles, respectively.

Transport infrastructure failing to meet the growth of transport is attributed as the main reason for the city facing traffic congestion and accidents./.