People enjoy their time in the pedestrian zone in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

HÀ NỘI — The People’s Committee of Hà Nội has assigned Hoàn Kiếm District to expand the pedestrian zone to the south of the Old Quarter.

In the short-term, this will cover Đinh Liệt, Gia Ngư, Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Bè, Hàng Dầu, Cầu Gỗ and Trung Yên, in a bid to reduce overcrowding in the current pedestrian zone.

The committee said the pedestrian zone had helped to create a highlight in the city and a beautiful space associated with historical and cultural relics that has been welcomed by both foreign and domestic tourists.

The committee also said it would submit a report to the Standing Committee of the city’s Party Committee for approval to officially deploy the pedestrian zone.

Additionally, the district was instructed to ensure infrastructure is in place to serve local residents and tourists.

In a related move, the committee has tasked the city’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Department to publicise detailed lists of all events taking place around Hoàn Kiếm Lake for residents and tourists.

The city’s Transport Department was asked to take a traffic survey to address any issues around the pedestrian zone, especially Hai Bà Trưng Street and the in front of the State Bank of Việt Nam.

The pedestrian zone around Hoàn Kiếm Lake includes Hàng Buồm, Mã Mây, Đào Duy Từ, Hàng Giấy, Lương Ngọc Quyến, Tạ Hiện, Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, Hàng Đường, Đồng Xuân, Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Lê Thái Tổ, Hàng Khay, Hàng Bài, Tràng Tiền, Đinh Lễ, Nguyễn Xí, Lê Lai, Lê Thạch, Trần Nguyên Hãn, Lò Sũ, Lương Văn Can and Bảo Khánh.

The streets are open from Friday night to Sunday night, from 7pm to 12pm in summer and from 6pm to 12pm in winter. All shops and bars in this zone are allowed to remain open until 2am. — VNS