Hanoi may ban cyclos after 2010

Government agencies in Hanoi are proposing cyclos be reduced or banned in the capital after 2010.
The Hanoi Police Department organised a conference on cyclo management in the capital early this week. Police reported that in only one month, August 20-September 20, they discovered 1000 cyclos violating traffic law.
A police official said that when policemen stop cyclos for checks it often leads to clashes with foreign visitors. In addition, they find many cyclos drivers don’t have the correct registration certification.
An official from Hoan Kiem district said Hanoi needs to reduce the number of cyclos and further restrict the areas where cyclos are allowed. In particular a ban starting with the old quarter could eventually go city-wide.
Deputy director of the Hanoi Transportation Department Nguyen Hoang Linh said old cyclos must be seized and companies that have a high number of cyclos breaking the traffic rules must be closed.
Meanwhile, colonel Tran Thuy, deputy director of the Hanoi Police Department, said there are only five companies running 388 cyclos serving foreign tourists in Hanoi, so the local authorities only need to follow these firms to control cyclos.