An officer uses an electronic scale to check the weight of a truck in Ha Noi's Gia Lam District. Transport enterprises will likely to be fined if they do not complete the repair on damaged roads on time. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung

HA NOI (VNS) — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has issued a draft decree calling for enterprises paid to fix damaged roads and make them safe. They will be punished if they do not complete the work on time.

The ministry is still collecting ideas from concerned organisations to complete the decree.

This is the first time it has attempted to punish incompetent enterprises for contributing to road dangers. It suggests a fine of VND3-5 million (US$130-220).

Under the decree, organisations running toll booths will be fined VND30-40 million ($1,300-1,700) if they cause long traffic delays.

If they do not speed up, they will be fined VND50-70 million ($2,200-3,100) and suspended from the collecting work for up to three months.

Nguyen Van Thach, director of the Traffic Safety Department which helped the MOT compile the draft decree, told Tien phong (Vanguard) newspaper that the new regulations were aimed at raising enterprises' responsibility and awareness in maintaining roads and ensuring traffic safety.

Nguyen Van Thanh, chairman of the Viet Nam Automobile Transportation Association, said that the new punishments were progressive.

However, some people are concerned about the new decree.

Nguyen Van Tuan, a driver for Thanh Cong Taxi Firm in Ha Noi, said that a fine of VND3-5 million (US$130-220) was not strong enough.

Thanh proposed raising the fine, especially for those who left roads in a dangerous state for far too long.

He said residents should also be able to inform the authorities about damaged roads.

Director of the Traffic Safety Department Thach, said that the compilation committee would consider the different ideas.

Deadline for repairs

In another development, the Ministry of Transport has asked the Viet Nam Expressway Corporation (VEC) to complete repairs of Noi Bai-Lao Cai Highway that have either sunk or have cracks by October 30.

The ministry also agreed on a plan to use polymer modified asphalt or add anti-settlement additive in repairing the sinking of the road surface.

According to the ministry's document, VEC would be asked to stop collecting toll on this route until the repairs are completed.

The ministry also required the investor and contractors to instruct and strictly supervise the work to ensure the quality of construction and safety to traffic.

The project is undergoing maintenance, therefore the cost of repair is to be borne by the contractor.

The route was opened in September last year. However, in many places the road began to sink when in use and the VEC has also frequently repaired it to ensure traffic safety. — VNS