BackStories » Hanoi » Will CCTV Around Hoan Kiem Lake Reduce Littering on Pedestrianized Streets?

Will CCTV Around Hoan Kiem Lake Reduce Littering on Pedestrianized Streets?

Hanoi authorities are trialing a new system that aims to prevent littering in the city center.

The pedestrianized steets around Hoan Kiem Lake are hugely popular with Hanoians — around 20,000 people visit each day. Yet such attention also results in large amounts of trash; Hanoi Urban Environment Company URENCO says they clear 200 tons of garbage each day from the area.

Thirty environmental workers are currently monitoring two fixed-cameras installed by URENCO. The trial, which began on April 26 and ends on May 19, will also test the effectiveness of fining litterbugs caught on camera, VnExpress reports.

Littering on Hanoi's pedestrianized streets. Photo by Thanh Binh via Vietnam Economic Times.

"We will report the recorded violations by both locals and tourists case by case to the local police who will decide the follow up and punishment. In the case of businesses, we will build up a collection of videos and photos proving that they pollute the environment and submit the data to local authorities," said a URENCO representative.

The company has placed signs in the area alerting people that littering is being recorded and that those caught doing so could face a fine of up to VND7 million (US$300). If successful, the new scheme could be fully implemented in the area.

In February 2017, a government decree came into effect which meant litterers across the nation would face fines of between VND500,000 (US$22) and VND7 million (US$300) for various offenses. The fines, however, were rarely imposed and failed to curb littering.

Taiwan, on the other hand, once known as "garbage island," has become one of Asia cleanest nations through a combination of youth education, cultural change, and a unique fining system. Taiwanese who capture litterers on camera receive part of the fine imposed on the offender.

See more in the video below:

Video via CNA Insider.


Related Articles:

The Growing Trash Mountains Threatening Phu Quoc's Way of Life

Hanoi to Construct Waste-to-Electricity Processing Plants in Response to Growing Trash Issues

Ever Wonder What Happens to Your Plastic Bags? Ask Hanoi’s Informal Recycling Army.


Related Articles

in Hanoi

$600,000 Lunar Rock to Be Displayed in Pagoda Complex Near Hanoi

The meteorite, which was recently bought for US$612,500, will be put on display in Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex, only 1.5 hours south of the capital.

in Hanoi

After 2 Years, Hanoi's BRT Route Fails to Reach Full Capacity

In 2018, Hanoi’s bus rapid transit (BRT) only reached half its potential capacity despite serving 5.3 million passengers.

in Hanoi

After Completing Nghi Tam Overpass, Hanoi Proposes Plan to Expand Au Co

Having finished construction on the An Duong-Thanh Nien Overpass, which opened last Thursday, plans are now being proposed to level and expand Au Co Street.

in Hanoi

After Plastination, Hanoi's Beloved Cu Rua Preserved for All to See

Ever since Hoan Kiem Lake’s legendary turtle sadly perished in 2016, many expected the beloved creature would be preserved and put on display so Hanoians could pay their respects.

in Hanoi

Authorities Confirm Hanoians Exposed to Mercury, Yet Confusion Remains

Following much confusion, environment officials confirmed yesterday that residents living within 500 meters of a light bulb factory that burned down in Hanoi's Thanh Xuan District last week have been ...

in Hanoi

British Embassy Staff Hold 1-Minute Silence to Commemorate Migrant Victims

All across Vietnam, people remain shocked and saddened by the news of the United Kingdom truck deaths.

Partner Content