In Vietnam, a growing number of people have been killed or injured in recent years by illegal motorcycle racing. The authorities in Vietnam have now approved a plan by police in Hanoi to use water cannons and tear gas against speeding motorcyclists. Jen Hardingham reports

Teenagers in Vietnam often complain that there's not enough to do in the evenings. Some young men take out their frustration - and get their kicks - by revving up and racing their motorcycles through the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

They weave in and out of traffic, terrorising many of the city's residents and dodging the police at the same time.

Now the police in Hanoi have decided to fight back.

The Vietnamese authorities have approved their plan to use tear gas or water cannons on offenders - although it's not clear how they'll do this in heavy traffic.

But this isn't the first time police in Vietnam have resorted to a highly unusual way of dealing with illegal motorcycle racing.

Last year police in Ho Chi Minh city began using paint guns. The idea is that the guns spray the culprits with sticky paint, difficult to wash off, to mark them for later arrest.

But to some young motorcyclists, this added extra spice to their daredevil antics - encouraging a "catch me if you can" attitude."

The authorities' decision to sanction the use of tear gas or water cannons in Hanoi follows an incident late last year when police and a group of youths clashed over an illegal motorcycle race.

Ten police officers were injured and 18 teenagers arrested.

The teenagers are scheduled to go on trial next month.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©