Hanoi: A city of motorbikes and mopeds

British portrait photographer Jon Enoch has just finished a project documenting the use of mopeds in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Image copyrightJon Enoch

“Mopeds are a way of life in South East Asia, the workhorse of the city, carrying a vast and unusual array of goods,” says Enoch, a freelance photographer based in London.

Image copyrightJon EnochImage copyrightJon Enoch

When I first travelled around South East Asia, 15 years ago, the number of motorbikes and mopeds just astounded me.

Initially, that level of traffic that never stops is overwhelming to the senses - you wonder how you'll ever manage to cross a road.

I began to be fascinated by the drivers and deliveries.

“Seeing really unusual deliveries, like a huge pile of eggs, towering bags of ice or an enormous mound of flowers, was visually so stunning I started asking people if I could take photos of them.”

Image copyrightJon EnochImage copyrightJon Enoch

In 2017, it was announced that all “powered two wheelers” - mopeds, scooters and motorbikes - would be banned in the city by 2030 in an attempt to combat pollution and traffic jams.

Although, some residents don't believe this can be done in the time stated - or at least until better alternatives are in place.

Image copyrightJon Enoch

“I had been planning this series of photographs for a really long time. So, when I read that motorbikes would be banned within the next 10 years, I knew I had to fly over and finish this project as soon as possible,” says Enoch.

Image copyrightJon EnochImage copyrightJon Enoch

All photos by Jon Enoch.