Hanoi police officers arrive to require shops to dismantle awnings and remove displayed goods to return pedestrian space on Hang Ma Street on November 23.
On the evening of November 23, local authorities patrolled the area and encouraged households to tidy pavements and take down unlicensed awnings along Hang Ma Street.
Many shops removed awnings and advertising boards and cleaned the pavements that same night, following police guidance.
Hang Ma Street is known for its decorations shops, which currently focus on Christmas items.
Shop owner Truong My Linh said she welcomed the requirement to clear pavements for pedestrians.
“Our family has lived here for generations and has been running a business for more than 30 years. With or without an awning, business is still normal, so when authorities asked us to remove it, we agreed immediately. Hopefully this will make the streets tidier and more open,” she said.
Nearby shops have also begun removing awnings and clearing goods displayed illegally on pavements.
Some other shop owners argued that removing awnings could affect their business, especially during hot or rainy weather.
Many shops on Hang Ma street have yet to remove their awnings and business activities continue as usual.
By 10 pm, authorities kept patrolling, reminding and persuading residents not to encroach on pavements and to remove awnings in line with the city’s pilot programme.
Hanoi police said pavement clearing will be completed by February 15, 2026 in the wards of Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam and Ba Dinh as part of the model urban order plan.