Nguyen Duc Toan, chairman of the Quy Nhon Ward People's Committee in Gia Lai Province, said on August 18 that the ward was marking off pedestrian areas along several central streets and requiring businesses to sign commitments not to occupy pavements.
The campaign is being carried out along major streets including Xuan Dieu, Tran Phu, Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Dong Da, To Huu and Thap Doi.
Quy Nhon Ward has begun marking out pavement space reserved for pedestrians on several central streets (Photo: Dinh Yen).
Under local regulations, pavements at least 5 metres wide must reserve a minimum of 2.5 metres for pedestrians. On pavements between 4 metres and less than 5 metres wide, a 2-metre pedestrian passage must be maintained, while pavements narrower than 4 metres must leave at least 1.5 metres for pedestrians.
Restaurants have largely complied, placing tables and chairs within the permitted area (Photo: Doan Cong).
Authorities will take action against businesses and individuals who deliberately violate the regulations.
Officials remind business households not to display goods beyond the marked line and obstruct pedestrian access (Photo: Doan Cong).
At a recent meeting with voters in Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai chairman Pham Anh Tuan openly criticised the widespread encroachment of pavements in central Quy Nhon.
Tuan said pavements in Quy Nhon were almost entirely occupied, leaving pedestrians with virtually no space to walk. The situation not only affected urban order but also damaged the city's image as a tourist destination.
He instructed local authorities and relevant agencies to tackle the problem, restore pavements for pedestrians and help build a more civilised, clean and attractive Quy Nhon.
