Not only setting up nets in the middle of the road, this group also has embankments, painted lines, and motorbikes occupying more than half of the road, despite the constant traffic flow, despite the constant risk of accidents. The traffic police force has stepped in to verify and handle the case according to the law.
This is not the first time this has happened. Previously, in August, a group of people also spread nets to hit badminton on Road 60 (Binh Trung Ward), causing outrage among the people. This shows a worrying reality: The situation of occupying the roadway to play sports is becoming a wrong "lide of life" in many residential areas and if not strictly handled, the consequences will be unpredictable.
The question is, why in a crowded city like Ho Chi Minh City, where every penny of the road is precious, does the scene of "spontaneous badminton courts" appear like that? And more importantly: What should we do to prevent this habit of disregarding the law and disregarding traffic safety?
The road is a place for vehicles. Turning it into a playground, for whatever reason - has the potential to be a serious accident risk. A motorbike cannot avoid it in time; a car brakes suddenly; a run that hits a bridge without looking... all can lead to a fatal collision.
Many people in the clip justify that the road is small, there are few vehicles, and playing "a little for health". However, traffic accidents do not leave any "small road" or "calm residential area" behind. Just a second of distraction, the price to pay could be their own lives or innocent traffic participants.
In many countries, sidewalks or streets are designed for multi-purpose use, even organizing night markets or cultural activities. But all are planned - organized - have signs - have fences and have safety forces. Here, players arbitrarily spread nets, set up umbrellas, and even parked motorbikes on the road as if they were "ening" public property. That is an alarming convenience.
Legally, the act of occupying roads and sidewalks to organize sports activities is clearly regulated. According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP: Those who illegally occupy the roadway to conduct personal activities may be fined from 2 to 4 million VND. If the behavior leads to traffic obstruction, the fine can increase to 6 - 8 million VND. In case of causing an accident, civil compensation must be paid and criminal liability may be prosecuted.
Thus, those who spread nets to hit badminton in the middle of the road not only "not inconvenient to others" but also clearly violate the law.
It is true that the city needs more sports space. It is true that people have a need to mobilize. But lacking a playground is never a reason to occupy the road and then think it is a "solution to the situation". No one is allowed to create risks for others just for personal needs.
