Since mid-November, Hanoi police have been continuously mobilized to clear sidewalks and remove awnings across the streets.
In Hoan Kiem Ward, home to the Old Quarter, tourists can now see the streets looking noticeably different. Hang Ma Street, famous for its decorations and distinctive souvenirs, is usually adorned with colorful displays on the pavement. Now, shop owners have moved their goods inside, returning the street and sidewalks to the public.
It’s more than just a call. Hanoi’s model ward initiative is starting with three central wards: Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Cua Nam. These wards are expected to serve as models of “urban order and civility.” If successful, the program will be scaled up citywide.
A three-phase plan to restore public space
Plan No. 06, issued on November 11 by the City’s Steering Committee 197, which aims to pilot model wards in Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam and Ba Dinh wards, targets to stop the streets and sidewalks encroachment, as well as dismantle awnings to restore public space.
The plan has three phases:
Phase 1 (November 15th to 30th): Baseline surveying, communication and arrangement: Local units will conduct a comprehensive survey of the area; review and redraw road markings; and reorganize waste collection and drop-off points.
Phase 2 (November 30th to December 31st): Inspection and enforcement: Authorities will mobilize maximum resources to carry out inspections, enforce regulations, and thoroughly remove remaining violations.
Phase 3 (January 1st to February 15th, 2026): Maintenance and prevention of re-offending: Units will continue patrols, inspections, and enforcement while implementing measures to prevent violations from recurring, ensuring sustained compliance in the managed areas.
Accordingly, Hanoi authorities are making every effort not just to implement the model ward initiative but also to prevent recurring violations - the main reason for previous failures.
However, at some central streets like Hang Khoai, Hang Giay, the sidewalks remain packed with goods on display.
Awareness and pavement habits remain as obstacles
Hanoi has made numerous attempts over the past decade to establish urban order and civility, particularly by tackling pavement encroachment. Yet, none of these was successful.
Despite repeated clearance campaigns since 2014 - including the 2015 “Year of Urban Civilization” and major crackdowns in 2017, 2018, and 2023 - sidewalks across the city remain cluttered and have yet to be fully returned to pedestrians.
Hanoi authorities noted that part of the difficulties lies in people’s awareness and habits of using pavements.
“When enforcement teams are gone, people return to using the sidewalks for business,” said the leader of Cua Nam ward, one of the piloted model wards, to Tuoi Tre News
“Part of it comes from business owners’ awareness, but customer habits also contribute – many enjoy sitting along the sidewalk to watch the street and urban bustle."
This time, Hanoi has mobilized all its available resources, working day and night, to restore public space for pedestrians. The city has also deployed AI-powered cameras to monitor violations, alongside a reporting system to ensure regular updates and raise public awareness. To ensure lasting improvements, the Steering Committee 197 also plans to expand education efforts and enhance the effectiveness of local administration.
Yet the real question remains: will Hanoi's determination finally be rewarded? Can this campaign become the turning point that frees the sidewalks for good, not just for a season? At this moment, optimism exists - but certainty does not. Only time and consistency will decide.
