Hanoi voters worry that sidewalks will be encroached upon again.

While appreciating the efforts to restore urban order, Hanoi voters believe that the campaign to reclaim sidewalks for pedestrians lacks sustainability and is prone to re-encroachment.

In preparation for the fifth session, which opens on May 22nd, the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Hanoi City has submitted a summary report of voter recommendations. While expressing support for the comprehensive inspection and handling plan to address violations of urban order and traffic safety by the Steering Committee 197 (an inter-agency steering committee with the police as the permanent body), voters noted that the encroachment on sidewalks for illegal sales, unauthorized parking, and charging excessive fees has not significantly decreased.

"If the authorities are not decisive, do not regularly inspect and supervise, and coupled with the low awareness of some people, then after the campaign, the encroachment on roads and sidewalks will return to its previous state," a voter stated.

On the morning of May 14th, a restaurant on Cau Go Street displayed its sign occupying the sidewalk, and motorbikes and bicycles were parked in the middle of the road. Photo: Giang Huy — On the morning of May 14th, food stalls on Cau Go Street displayed signs occupying the sidewalk, and motorbikes and bicycles were parked in the middle of the road. Photo: *Giang Huy*

To address violations of urban order, voters have petitioned the government to provide stable business locations for street vendors and hawkers, ensuring a balance between public and private interests.

The people also suggested that the city build more public parking lots, expedite the construction of urban railway lines and ring roads, develop the public transportation system, and reduce the use of private vehicles.

In early March, Hanoi conducted a comprehensive inspection and enforcement campaign targeting violations of traffic safety, urban order, and public order throughout the city. The campaign was divided into three phases, with the first phase, lasting until February 28th, focusing on raising awareness and encouraging citizens to comply with regulations, sign voluntary commitments to cease encroachment on sidewalks and roads, and restore sidewalks and roads to their original condition.

In phase two (March 1-31), the Steering Committee 197 will conduct a comprehensive inspection and handle violations, with increased penalties for encroachment on roads and sidewalks for business, trading, and illegal parking. In phase three (April 1-November 1), the forces will maintain inspections and enforcement to prevent violations from recurring.

A shop on Ma May Street has tables and chairs occupying the entire sidewalk, May 14th. Photo: Giang Huy. — A shop on Ma May Street has tables and chairs occupying the entire sidewalk, May 14th. Photo: *Giang Huy.*

At the Hanoi City Party Committee's Standing Committee meeting on March 31, City Party Secretary Dinh Tien Dung stated that the root cause of current shortcomings in managing roads and sidewalks is a lack of planning, transparency, and openness. People are more likely to repeat violations when there is a lack of supervision from authorities.

"The road and sidewalk are actually linked to the livelihoods of the people and are also, to some extent, part of the urban economy ," he said, instructing the City People's Committee to direct relevant departments to research and develop plans for managing and using the road and sidewalk on each street and in each area.

Vo Hai

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