On February 19, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi held a public consultation on a draft proposal regarding the management, utilization, and temporary use of roadways and sidewalks in the city.

The proposal draws from international experiences in managing sidewalks for non-traffic purposes, referencing practices in the United States, France, and Singapore, as well as domestic examples from Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An (Quang Nam), and Hoan Kiem District (Hanoi).

Criteria for sidewalk use

According to the proposal, Hanoi plans to allow temporary use of a portion of sidewalks for vehicle parking, business activities, urban economic development, tourism, and the nighttime economy.

Certain conditions will apply, including a minimum sidewalk width of three meters (except in the Old Quarter), designated parking areas for customers, and compliance with safety, public order, fire prevention, and environmental regulations.

Before granting business permits, district-level authorities must consult with local residents. Approved sidewalks will then be licensed for temporary use for business activities and parking.

Based on surveys, 273 streets in Hanoi meet the required conditions for this initiative. Some notable streets included in the plan are Ly Thuong Kiet, Quang Trung, Tran Hung Dao, Hai Ba Trung, Da Tuong, Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Ngo Quyen, Ham Long, Chua Boc, Huynh Thuc Khang, Giang Vo, Tran Dai Nghia, and Tran Khat Chan.

Balancing interests and urban planning

Former Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Council, Nguyen Van Hoat, emphasized that while the proposal is necessary to address real-life demands, it must be carefully implemented to avoid public dissatisfaction.

He pointed out that sidewalks and roadways should primarily serve transportation needs. “Sidewalks function like a river - if you block them and use them for other purposes, they lose their intended function,” he said. He urged transparency in implementation to prevent disputes and legal challenges.

Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, noted that Hanoi’s regulations on sidewalk and roadway use have evolved over time, with different rules at different periods. He supported the proposal’s emphasis on temporary use, allowing for adjustments based on practical needs.

However, Nghiem suggested further studies on the function and role of sidewalks to create a more precise and effective implementation plan. He also questioned whether the policy should apply citywide or only to specific areas, as not all locations are suitable for sidewalk business and parking.

“This is a major urban reform that directly affects residents, so it’s crucial to prevent conflicts of interest,” he said.

Former Deputy Director of the Hanoi Police Department, Bach Thanh Dinh, advised that the proposal should account for the unique characteristics of each street and establish appropriate timeframes for implementation.

“For instance, some streets might be suitable for business during the day but not at night. Others may already experience heavy traffic in the morning, making it impractical to allocate sidewalk space for parking,” he explained.

He also stressed that issuing business permits is just the beginning - effective management is equally important. This includes regulating what types of businesses are allowed, identifying responsible enforcement agencies, maintaining oversight, and addressing environmental concerns such as waste management.

Quang Phong