Hanoi launches drive to reclaim illegally occupied pavement

Joint forces comprising police officers, construction inspectors and local officials on March 10 began actively encouraging pavement occupiers to return the public space to the public and fining those who deliberately refused to cooperate.

Along Ho Tung Mau Street, dozens of officers removed overhanging structures and instructed locals to park their vehicles within designated areas on the pavement.

According to local officials in Phu Dien Ward of Bac Tu Liem District, most people were cooperative with the competent agencies thanks to a notice sent in advance to households in the neighbourhood.

Local community organisations such as the women and veterans associations had also campaigned effectively to make the people understand the benefits of clearing the pavement.

Similarly in Hoang Mai and Thanh Xuan Districts, most streets have become more spacious after the city’s efforts restored order to major parking spaces in Giai Phong, Tan Mai, Nguyen Xien and Nguyen Trai Streets.

Such results came thanks to the city’s three-step plan, which began with educating the public prior to March 10 so that they would voluntarily remove structures on illegally occupied spaces.

Beginning on March 10, competent forces began to punish violations, after which patrols will be stepped up to prevent the recurrence of infringements.

The move to restore order on Hanoi’s pavement came following a similar drive in Ho Chi Minh City where local officials have taken tough measures to return walking space to pedestrians.

Local official said they were determined to radically resolve the illegal occupation of the pavement, and that their initiative had been given the thumbs up by the majority of the people and tourists.