Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued a noticecalling for traffic safety during upcoming holidays along with strictobservation of regulations on the control and prevention of COVID-19.

The PM has asked the National Traffic Safety Committee, ministries, provincialand city People’s Committees and other authorities to strengthen traffic safetyworks during New Year, Tet (Lunar New Year) and spring festivals.

The PM's notice stated that ministries, agencies and localities should promotethe dissemination of traffic safety information and knowledge of COVID-19prevention and control, as well as encourage people to use public transportduring holidays.

Agencies must stay updated on the situation of traffic accidents and trafficjams during festivals.

Businesses, educational and training establishments need to require employeesand students to abide by traffic safety regulations, coordinate with transportunits to organise the sale of train tickets to workers and students and arrangea suitable amount of time for employees and students to enjoy Tet holidays andreturn to work and study to reduce traffic pressure before, during and afterthe Lunar New Year.

PM Phuc also asked agencies and localities to strengthen patrols and controland strictly handle traffic violations on roads, railways and waterways andensure the absolute safety of COVID-19 prevention for task forces and people.

Increased inspections should be made to punish traffic regulation violatorsduring the holidays.

The capacity and quality of passenger transportation services need to beimproved to meet increasing travel demand during the upcoming holidays.

Passenger transport businesses and passengers must fully comply with theprovisions of the law on traffic safety and strictly comply with regulations onprevention and control of COVID-19.

Transport businesses must prepare plans to serve passengers and be ready toprovide additional vehicles when needed.

Illegal fare increases should be dealt with strictly.

The upgrading, repair and maintenance of key traffic routes should be completedbefore January 30, 2021.

Cities and localities must carry out measures to reduce traffic congestion onthe main routes and at stations, airports, as well as impose strict penaltiesfor traffic violators.

Departments of health and medical establishments nationwide must be on dutyaround clock and prepare staff, equipment and medicine for treating trafficaccident victims.

The units need to have a timely response to deal with possible COVID-19infections.

Heads of agencies and units are responsible for controlling and preventingCOVID-19.

Hotlines to receive traffic complaints during the Tet holiday should be widelypublicised on the media and information about COVID-19 prevention and controlmust be posted at bus stations, airports and on public transport./.