Increasing measures to stabilize traffic is necessary, especially in big cities. But after nearly 2 weeks of applying Decree 168, the side effects of this inadequate decree have appeared.
If the Ministry of Public Security does not promptly adjust to suit reality, in the long term, Decree 168 will destroy every economic cell from infrastructure to superstructure. Even if left for a long time, it will create a “smoldering” frustration, and very likely create a “pressure cooker” effect of a revolution when the opportunity is ripe.
Since the increase in fines for traffic violations has been implemented, intersections seem to be more orderly, vehicles stop at the right line, when the light is red. But traffic jams are more frequent and all roads are jammed all day and night.
In fact, Saigon is considered to have the most “serious” traffic jams ever. Traffic jams also occur on previously clear routes, with almost no congestion.
Public opinion reflects that from the beginning of 2025 until now, the intersection light system has been malfunctioning everywhere, green changes to red, red changes to green in a chaotic manner without any reasonable order. Moreover, the removal of the count of seconds to reverse, the fine for crossing the line when the light is yellow, or the prohibition of right turns is extremely unreasonable.
That makes the issue of avoiding the road for emergency vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, even official vehicles using sirens at intersections with traffic lights difficult to implement. Road users will definitely not pass red light to yield because that is a violation. Not to mention the traffic jams that last for a very long time, taxi drivers said that there are trips of 5-7 km that take an hour. If this situation is not stopped soon, taxis will suffer heavy losses.
On the night of January 10, social networks were heated up with information that in Saigon, passengers missed their flights due to traffic jams. At the airport, passengers are in difficulties going home because there was no means of transportation.
A question arises, if all taxi drivers in Saigon go on strike. Drivers turn off their applications and do not accept passengers, what will happen to the most populous city in the country? Surely traffic will be paralyzed, society will freeze, and lead to instability?
A dynamic and developing society requires a high level of smooth traffic. Meanwhile, in all countries, the Traffic Law is issued on a reasonable basis, suitable for life and economy, not in an inhumane stereotype like Decree 168 prepared by the Ministry of Public Security.
According to experts, the immediate application, even 40 days earlier than prescribed. Likewise, Decree 168 did not have a pilot phase on a small scale first, to identify difficulties in implementation and have timely adjustment measures, especially when the penalty level increases. This is irresponsible and ignorant of Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang.
It is true that the police leaders have many tricks to make money, but have very little experience in national governance. If you cannot create good ideas, then you should accept learning from what is available. Vietnam has been losing to the world for centuries, but the Ministry of Public Security still has the illusion of wanting to create a breakthrough, which can only be a fantasy and paranoia.
Decree 168 is disrupting the normal operation of society and spreading fear, creating insecurity and resentment among the people. It will drag back the era of national rise of General Secretary To Lam.
Tra My – Thoibao.de
