Low Emission Zone Policy in Hanoi: Lessons from the French Experience

Abstract

This article examines Hanoi’s low-emission zone (LEZ) policy through a comparison with France’s ZFE-m experience in order to identify implementation conditions that are more socially and politically feasible. Methodologically, the study combines institutional comparison, a SWOT framework, and affordability simulation. The findings show that Hanoi has established a relatively clear legal foundation for LEZ implementation, but the policy’s sustainability depends strongly on baseline data quality, the sequencing of transition support, and the provision of shared infrastructure. The analysis also indicates that Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is useful for international comparison but insufficient for assessing household-level transition burdens. The article concludes that LEZ policy can remain politically sustainable only when accompanied by transparent data, well-targeted subsidies, and flexible exemption mechanisms.