Reenacting sidewalk encroachment on many central streets
According to Lao Dong Newspaper reporters on July 21, sidewalks on streets such as Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nguyen Trai... are still encroached upon for trading and parking motorbikes during rush hour in the morning and afternoon. Although the situation is no longer as widespread as before, some "hot spots" still have a recurrent situation of encroachment when the authorities are not on duty regularly.
Mr. Pham Ngoc Vu (HCMC) said that recently there have been positive changes, the sidewalk is more airy than before. However, in the mornings and afternoons, especially on weekends, street vendors occupy the sidewalk. "Wherever there are no authorities, they go there," Mr. Vu said.
Faced with the above situation, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee recently proposed to increase the installation of surveillance camera systems on key routes to strictly handle violations. Data from the camera will be connected to the urban operation center to promptly detect, handle and deter violations.
Regarding the proposal to install cameras, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hai (HCMC) expressed his agreement with this solution, saying that installing cameras is very necessary. "The authorities cannot be present 24/7, while in many cases, violators know the time of inspection and deliberately encroach. With surveillance cameras, fines will be more effective, said Mr. Hai.
However, not everyone is optimistic about this solution. Mr. Tran Duc Anh (working in Xuan Hoa ward) expressed his opinion: "The camera only records, but the processing requires someone to do it. If there is a lack of determination, installing many cameras will not solve the problem at the root. In addition, it is necessary to consider supporting livelihoods for the poor in small business".
Clearly identify the location and quality of surveillance cameras
According to experts, to truly restore sidewalks to pedestrians, in addition to technological measures, the city needs to have a policy to support small traders, create a concentrated business area, reorganize urban order in a reasonable and harmonious way between developing the sidewalk economy and ensuring aesthetics and traffic safety.
Talking to Lao Dong newspaper, Dr. Tran Quang Thang - Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Economics and Management said that installing more surveillance cameras and increasing the handling of encroachment on roads and sidewalks are flexible, timely and in line with people's wishes. Mr. Thang gave an example in Hanoi, this locality has now moved towards a police model that does not need to stand directly on the street but uses a camera system to monitor.
"That is the direction of civilized cities. Ho Chi Minh City needs to clarify the total number of points that need to be installed, ensure safety for the system to avoid theft, and at the same time improve image quality to serve transparent and clear punishment," said Mr. Thang.
In response to some people's concerns that installing cameras may not be enough to deter some street vendors who occupy the sidewalk, this expert said that there needs to be flexibility in handling: "Selling street vendors is for a living. As long as they do not occupy and seriously affect pedestrians, we should have appropriate regulation. We should not let one person's livelihood cause obstacles or damage to another - that is unfair".
