Traffic congestion in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has long been a pressing issue, severely affecting daily life, the economy, and the environment. Among the most hotly debated causes of traffic jams are private cars and motorbikes - two modes of transport often blamed for clogging the streets.

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Cars and motorbikes packed tightly together at an intersection in Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Ha

Cars or motorbikes: Who’s really causing the gridlock?

Many transportation experts argue that the rapid increase in personal vehicles, especially private cars, while infrastructure fails to keep up, is a primary reason for worsening traffic congestion.

According to data from the Hanoi Department of Transport (now under the Department of Construction), by 2024, the city had approximately 8 million personal vehicles, including 1.1 million cars and 6.9 million motorbikes. Each year, tens of thousands of new cars are registered, yet roads are not being expanded proportionally. As a result, already narrow city streets become more overloaded, particularly during peak hours.

A common criticism of cars is that they take up too much road space while carrying too few people. A typical personal car occupies about 10 to 12 square meters but often only transports 1 to 2 passengers. In contrast, a motorbike takes up only around 2 square meters, yet can carry nearly the same number of people.

Additionally, cars tend to block the flow of traffic due to their inability to maneuver as flexibly as motorbikes. In gridlock situations, they cannot escape quickly, often becoming stationary obstacles that worsen the congestion.

However, this doesn't mean that cars are the sole culprits. On the contrary, many believe that motorbikes are the root cause of urban traffic chaos.

With around 75 million motorbikes in circulation across Vietnam - several times more than cars - many riders are frequently seen violating traffic laws, including going against the flow, running red lights, weaving through traffic, or riding on sidewalks. These behaviors create a chaotic, inefficient traffic environment, making motorbikes far from blameless in the congestion crisis.

Are vehicles really to blame? Or is it something else?

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Cars lined up side by side near the curb force motorbikes to squeeze through narrow gaps. Photo: Thach Thao

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Motorbike riders often violate traffic rules, disrupting order and safety on the roads. Photo: Nguyen Hue

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Are cars or motorbikes truly responsible for traffic jams? Photo: Hoang Ha

Rather than placing the blame squarely on cars or motorbikes, some experts argue that the true root cause lies in poor urban planning, inadequate infrastructure, and ineffective traffic management.

In major cities, high-rise buildings and shopping centers are constructed in dense clusters without proper parking infrastructure, forcing private vehicles - especially cars - to park along roadsides, further narrowing street space. Most roads also lack clear separation between cars and motorbikes, leading to a constant struggle for space.

Moreover, public transportation systems such as elevated trains and buses remain underdeveloped and inconvenient, making it hard for people to abandon private vehicles. As a result, public transit usage remains low compared to neighboring countries, leaving individuals with little choice but to rely on personal transport, thereby increasing pressure on the roads.

According to traffic experts, the congestion issue cannot be solved by restricting one type of vehicle alone. In fact, in developed countries, cars are widely used without causing major congestion, thanks to well-planned infrastructure, responsible traffic behavior, and efficient public transportation systems.

In Vietnam, if motorbikes are restricted without effective alternatives, mobility will become a serious challenge for many. Conversely, overly promoting private cars without corresponding urban planning will only intensify traffic problems, especially given the already critical shortage of qualified parking spaces in major cities.

“Rather than arguing over whether cars or motorbikes are to blame, what’s needed is a comprehensive solution: upgrade infrastructure, reorganize traffic flows, build an effective public transport network, and above all, improve traffic awareness among all road users,” one expert commented.

Hoang Hiep