Despite tightened control over overloaded vehicles, the problem continues to plague Hanoi’s streets especially with increased deliveries as the Lunar New Year approaches.

In October, police in Hanoi tightened control over overloaded vehicles following a fatal accident. 718 incidents involved the carrying of oversized goods and 343 cases of towing or pushing other vehicles and 570 cases of overloading. The police have set up more frequent checkpoints and patrols to deal with the problem.

As of now, 8,863 cases involving overloaded vehicles have been dealt with.

However, motorbikes, cars and trucks and three-wheeled motorbikes at wholesale markets carrying heavy and oversized goods are rampant on main routes such as De La Thanh-Hao Nam or Dai Co Viet-Tran Khat Chan.

Not only do those vehicles threaten traffic safety, they also cause congestion to the streets near Dong Xuan and Long Bien markets.

A local in Dong Xuan Ward said, "Many motorbikes and three-wheeled motorbikes carry eight-metre long metal beams. Other drivers are too afraid and keep a long distance with them, causing congestion."

Many overloaded vehicles are commonly found at wholesale markets

Motorbikes with large boxes on Hang Khoai Street

Police pull over an overloaded motorbike

Vehicles with long metal beams threaten traffic safety

Trying to avoid police

Vehicles on Hang Ngang and Hang Dao streets