Urban order is still a hot spot in Hanoi's small alleys

From the end of 2025, Hanoi City will simultaneously implement solutions to handle 5 major "bottlenecks" hindering the development of the Capital, in which the work of restoring urban order is carried out drastically with the participation of many functional forces.

After more than half a year of implementation, many major streets and main traffic axes have had clear changes. Sidewalks have been gradually returned to pedestrians, vehicles have been neatly arranged, and many violating billboards have been removed. However, in small alleys and deep lanes, the situation of encroachment on roads and sidewalks is still complicated.

Reporters' records show that many business areas in alleys have become new "hot spots" when trading activities shift from the street to alleys, many business households still blatantly occupy roads and sidewalks to display goods and park vehicles illegally, forcing pedestrians to take to the road.

In alley 100 Trung Kinh (Yen Hoa ward), the road and sidewalks have been turned into spontaneous markets with all kinds of goods, many small traders are setting up umbrellas and tarpaulins to encroach on public space. Meanwhile, the area at the end of alley 66 Nguyen Hoang (Tu Liem ward) - where investment is made to build a gym and playground - is occupied for market meetings, causing public space to be narrowed.

A similar situation also appeared on Doan Ke Thien, Phan Ba Vanh, Hoang Cong Chat streets (Phu Dien ward), when cars of passengers and delivery personnel parked all over the road. In alley 72 Nguyen Trai (Thanh Xuan ward), many vehicles still stopped, parked and parked illegally on the road and sidewalk for a long time.

Talking to reporters, a representative of the Economic and Infrastructure Department of Phu Dien ward said that the locality only handles acts of encroaching on roads and sidewalks for business, while handling vehicles is under the authority of the police force. Therefore, the situation of "when there are forces, they comply, when there are no forces, they re-offend" still occurs.

At the same time, representatives of the Economic, Infrastructure and Urban Department of Hong Ha ward said that functional forces regularly inspect, fine and seize exhibits. However, many business households take advantage of the time when forces leave to re-encroach.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An - Director of the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Community Development, small alleys in Hanoi are not only traffic spaces but also associated with the livelihoods of many households. Livelihood pressure makes many people accept violations to maintain business. In addition, the psychology of leniency at the grassroots level also partly affects the effectiveness of handling.

To solve this situation from the root, Hanoi needs to shift from a "prohibit" mindset to "management". Hanoi City needs to review, classify, and plan the use of roadways and sidewalks in accordance with each area; and at the same time promote the application of technology, strengthen supervision, establish a mechanism for quick feedback between people and the government, and assign specific responsibilities to local governments in handling violations.

In the long term, it is necessary to synchronously solve the livelihood problem by supporting small businesses to move to traditional markets, commercial centers or specialized business streets that are planned. When people have legal business conditions, the pressure to encroach on public space will gradually decrease.

According to experts, building urban order is a long process, requiring perseverance and modern management thinking. A civilized Capital is not only shown on spacious boulevards but must also start from every small alley.

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