HCMC wants commitment from leaders to reduce traffic jams, accidents

Nguyen Huu Tin, deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on Friday asked leaders of relevant departments to sign a commitment to take full responsibility of the task to tackle traffic jams and road accidents, and endeavour to fulfill their mission.

He was speaking at a meeting he chaired with various departments and districts, on plans to cope with traffic congestion and reduce road accidents by next year.

Traffic jams are a regular occurrence on HCMC streets

At the meeting, Mr.Tin criticized the present traffic police force, saying they had neglected to handle traffic violations effectively. For instance, they have not yet completely solved the problem of motorcycles by-passing their lanes to travel on the car lane on Saigon Bridge.

Mr.Tin ordered a crackdown on the above issue and asked to raise an   increased awareness amongst people of traffic safety rules. For this poor management the traffic police must be held accountable and take full responsibility.

He said that cars still park in several narrow streets and lanes. The Department of Transport should coordinate with districts to examine all such places and find more suitable places for parking and for pavement vendors to move.

Chairmen of district people’s committees must have a firm plan to   clear pavements and streets in their districts.

Leaders of concerned departments and districts must sign a specific commitment by January next year for each mission undertaken and which must eventually be fulfilled.

Director of the Transport Department will take responsibility for   installing traffic signals, signboards, dividers and cameras on streets.

Director of the HCMC Police Department will be responsible for buses violating regulations, for instance carrying people above permissible numbers and picking up passengers at non-stop points.

Chairmen of district people’s committees will be held accountable if they fail to carry out their commitments.

Deputy Chairman Tin said that plans to cope with traffic jams was one of the six main programs of the city Party Committee, requiring dedicated authorities to implement effective measures.

The commitment of relevant leaders responsible for tackling traffic jams and road accidents will be broadcast on the media so that residents can acknowledge and monitor the tasks of the leaders.