LookAtVietnam – Coaches, buses, tour cars and container trucks must have “black boxes,” according to a new government decree.

As of July 1, 2011, coaches with trips of up to 500km, tour cars and container trucks must have black boxes. The deadline for vehicles with shorter runs is January 1, 2012 and the remaining vehicles by July 1, 2012.

The black boxes show parameters about speed, itinerary, the number of door closing and opening, stop times and running times. These statistics will be archived for agencies’ use when needed.

Nguyen Van Thuan, Chief of the Ministry of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Department, the use of this equipment will help enhance the awareness of traffic safety for drivers, plus government agencies will be able to manage these vehicles easily, including enforcing their life spans.

Coaches of ten seats or more with trips of up to 300km are allowed to run for 15 years, those buses and coaches with trips of less than 300km have 20 years, taxies have 12 years, and tour cars have less than 10 years.

The decree will take effect on December 15, 2009.

PV