The minister, who took office more than three months ago, described traffic accidents and congestion as disastrous, causing great human and economic losses, especially in big cities.

He quoted statistics, saying every year, traffic accidents claim approximately 12,000 lives, and leave a similar number of people injured.  

This is the result of socio-economic development in many countries in the region including Thailand and China, and Vietnam is no exception, said Mr Thang.   

Causes identified

The minister pointed out major causes of the traffic dilemma, including poor transportation infrastructure, road users’ limited attitude, poor State management, small fines and bribery.

He called for concerted efforts from the entire political system to address traffic issues, placing emphasis on raising public awareness of traffic laws and enhancing State management.

“This is the task of the entire political system, ministries, agencies and localities, not the Ministry of Transport itself,” said Mr Thang.

He pledged to address traffic issues, but failed to clarify when the problem will be solved.

He assured the legislature that his ministry will strive to reduce the number of traffic accidents by between 5-10 percent annually, starting next year.

Solutions

Minister Thang confirmed that there is no choice but to act now to solve the problem, citing his ministry’s recent proposal to change work and school hours in big cities as an effective solution.

This is just a short-term solution, which should be put into action now, he said, adding that “We cannot wait until synchronous solutions are adopted.”

He said the ministry has submitted the proposal to the Government for consideration.

The ministry is developing projects to build a complete transport infrastructure system including construction of a Hanoi-HCM City highway, upgrade of National Highway No1A, and modernisation of road systems in rural, coastal and border areas.

It will develop land, rail, air, sea and waterways transport systems synchronously, making it easier for travelling between inter-regions across the country.

The ministry will also carry out regular examinations of its training centres by tightening the grant of driving licenses.  

Those training centres which do not meet our criteria will be dissolved or suspended from operation, said Mr Thang.

He said the ministry will impose stiff fines on drivers who drink alcohol before hitting the road. Law-breakers may be sentenced to 15 days to 3 months or more in prison depending on their violations.

Voter dissatisfaction

Voters who followed the question time on the national radio and television channels expressed their dissatisfaction with Minister Thang’s response.

Minister Thang did not give straightforward answers to NA deputies’ questions, said Vo Thi Thuy who lives in the central city of Hue.

She said Mr Thang did not put forward specific solutions to traffic accidents and congestion, especially in big cities.

Meanwhile, voter Pham Van Kiem from Da Nang city said that the minister did not clarify the root causes of traffic accidents and congestion.

“His answers were far from satisfactory,” Kiem told VOV. “He should propose a roadmap detailing when and how the problem is solved.”

Voter Tran Thi My from the southern province of An Giang welcomed Minister Thang’s strong determination, but pointed out that “The situation has not made much progress.”