HÀ NỘI – All districts and communes in the capital city of Hà Nội will start campaigns this week to control the pervasive encroachment of cafes, beer joints and cars on sidewalks, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyễn Đức Chung announced.

At a meeting held on Saturday on the implementation of measures to intensify inspections and punishment of violations relating to traffic and urban order, Chung said the handling of pavement and street encroachment were discussed many times and many campaigns were conducted, but all failed.

He attributed the failure to lack of close supervision by leaders of relevant ministries and agencies, adding that the task must be carried out more resolutely, methodically and patiently to gain sustainable results.

He said that when he was Director of Hà Nội Police, his survey found that up to 150 out of 180 beer shops along pavements were "supported" by police.

He also asked whether relatives of leaders of districts and communes did not, in fact, manage illegal parking spots.

The first order of business, he said, was to increase public awareness and encourage people to abide by regulations, he said, adding that regular inspections should be carried out to ensure that regulations are followed. Any individuals and organisations violating regulations would be strictly punished, he said.

Apart from punishing violators, it was essential for heads of districts, communes and agencies to take responsibilities for violations happening in their areas, he said. The city will set up interdisciplinary inspection teams and will strictly punish those leaders who let violations occur within their jurisdictions, he said.

City targets 37 congestion spots

Deputy chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Lê Văn Khoa instructed the Department of Transport to basically eradicate 37 existing traffic congestion spots before June at Friday’s meeting.

“The Transport Department should work with the Ministry of Transport to set up “check-in” area and shuttle bus service around the Tân Sơn Nhất Airport as well as submit suggestion to the city People’s Committee in an effort to speed up construction of two underground parking plots in Trống Đồng stage and Lê Văn Tám park,” Khoa said.

In recent meeting with local authorities, chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyễn Thành Phong pledged that in 2017, the city will reduce at least 5 per cent of traffic accidents, number of deaths and injuries comparing with 2016. He also committed that 37 traffic congestion spots, including Tân Sơn Nhất Airport and Cát Lái seaport, will be eradicated.

He instructed the city’s Traffic Safety Committee, leaders of relevant authorities, chairmen of districts closely working together to reduce traffic congestion and accident for 2016 -2020 period.

Phong also stressed that management of pavement, roads must be paid attention because this is also one factor leading to existing serious traffic congestion.

The municipal leaders also instructed traffic police in co-operation with Transport Department, districts, relevant authorities to increase their patrol, management and strictly fine any action that can restrict transport, ensure no illegal racing, no pavement encroachment, no illegal bus and station.

Last year, there were 3,962 traffic accidents, 805 deaths and 3,204 injuries. These figures were 5.54 per cent of traffic accidents higher, with 208 cases comparing with 2015, more 103 deaths (14.6 per cent higher) and less 97 injuries.

Everyday, the city has more 180 new-registered automobiles and 850 motorbikes while there is not much road to be built. The city often faces sudden traffic congestions with traffic accident, big rain, flooding. Tân Sơn Nhất Airport and Cát Lái seaport are considered as the most serious traffic congestion spots. -- VNS