A curious Saigon traffic sign

Traffic signs don’t normally warrant much attention from travellers. But if you’re in Saigon, this one might be worth keeping in mind. It prevents taxis from travelling along one of the few remaining arteries crossing from the north to the south of the city centre - Le Thanh Ton St. This is a street most visitors will use at some point - it's the heart of the city, right by City Hall. Private cars, Ubers and motorbikes are welcome. No taxis. It means that travellers, normally clueless about such things, will take an incredibly circuitous route to cross what seems like a simple downtown journey.  I can imagine lots of nasty accusations being unfairly directed at taxi drivers who are simply following this incomprehensible rule. Imagine a taxi driver with limited English trying to explain this rule to a visitor? In most cities, buses and taxis enjoy access privileges above private cars, because they’re in the business of conveying large numbers of commuters, and they don’t normally deplete a city’s scarce parking spaces. Saigon however, privileges private cars over taxis. It’s a policy approach that will help explain the city’s growing congestion crisis. And the fact that downtown Saigon is a mess, with construction of a new metro system causing road closures and general upheaval, makes matters worse. So before you accuse your taxi driver of scamming, be aware that the closure of Le Thanh Ton St to taxis, coupled with the closure of Le Loi St, forces the most labyrinthine detours to navigate the city centre. If you’re in this part of town, you’ll probably be better getting out of your taxi and walking. Though keep in mind, city officials have been more successful at ridding Le Thanh Ton St of taxis, than removing hazardous motorcyclists from the city’s pavements - especially in this area. Be careful!