(VNF) - Most pavements in Vietnam, especially those in crowded areas of major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are being seriously encroached, causing difficulties for pedestrians. Therefore, cities’ authorities are seeking long-term measures to free up pavements in an aim to beautify the city and maintain security and order.

Along streets clogged with traffic, drivers ride their vehicles on the pavements in order to escape the chaos of the road. (Source: Internet)

Starting this week, all districts and communes in the capital city of Hanoi will launch campaigns to control the pervasive encroachment of cafes, beer joints and cars on sidewalks, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung announced.

At a meeting held on March 4^th on the implementation of measures to intensify inspections and punishment of violations relating to traffic and urban order, Mr. Chung said the handling of pavement and street encroachment were discussed many times and many campaigns were conducted, but all failed.

He attributed the failure to lack of close supervision by leaders of relevant ministries and agencies, adding that the task must be carried out more resolutely, methodically and patiently to gain sustainable results.

Mr. Chung said that when he was Director of Hanoi Police, his survey found that up to 150 out of 180 beer shops along pavements were "supported" by police.

Districts and communes in the capital city of Hanoi start campaigns to control the pervasive encroachment of cafes, beer joints and cars on sidewalks. (Photo: Internet)

He also asked whether relatives of leaders of districts and communes did not, in fact, manage illegal parking spots.

The first order of business, he said, was to increase public awareness and encourage people to abide by regulations, he said, adding that regular inspections should be carried out to ensure that regulations are followed. Any inpiduals and organisations violating regulations would be strictly punished, he said.

Apart from punishing violators, it was essential for heads of districts, communes and agencies to take responsibilities for violations happening in their areas, he said. Hanoi will set up interdisciplinary inspection teams and will strictly punish those leaders who let violations occur within their jurisdictions, he said.

Earlier, at a meeting held in the city on March 1^st, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong said the city was committed to clearing up most pavements across 24 districts to create a civilised and modern city with high living standards.

Mr. Phong also applauded the moves in freeing up pavements taken recently by officials of District 1, 2, 4, 7, Tan Phu, Binh Tan and Cu Chi.

He said that District 1 had done a good job to address pavement encroachment and that the public expected positive changes to be made in other districts.

He also said that other districts must learn from District 1 to implement drastic actions, and ultimately give pavements back to pedestrians.

Many other districts across the city are now running a campaign to clear illegal parking, construction work, and businesses on pavements.

Pavements are for pedestrians but in a lot of cases, pedestrians are afraid of using them. They reluctantly walk on the road, and many people have said that pavements were being used for businesses, the owners of which would become angry and shout at pedestrians if they tried to walk through.

Those always are used for parking, running businesses or as extensions of street-side residents’ houses. Sidewalk encroachment has also affected traffic safety and order. Along streets clogged with traffic, drivers ride their vehicles on the pavements in order to escape the chaos of the road.

Most HCM City districts in late February began patrolling the streets to penalise violators for illegal encroachment on pavements. (Photo vnexpress.net)

Pham Quoc Huy, Chairman of the District 5’s People’s Committee, said that improving public awareness and changing attitudes and behaviour were critically important for the common benefit of the community.

He said many Vietnamese drivers still have poor awareness of road rules and tend to beak traffic laws at any time.

District 5 has established a team, including local police and staff from the urban management unit, to crack down on sidewalk encroachment, especially in front of Cho Ray Hospital in the district.

The public has shown support for recent efforts made by District 1 officials in HCM City who patrol the streets and hand out penalties for illegal encroachment by street vendors, vehicles and construction work on city pavements./.

( Compiled by VNF )