The authorities in HCM City's District 1 have started clearing up the pavements which are encroached by illegal parking areas and street vendors to improve the city's look and prevent congestion.

Local security guards and traffic police have been sent out to deal with the issue. The authorities fined three car owners with their vehicles parked outside of Grand Hotel in Dong Khoi Street. On Ngo Duc Ke Street, the authorities removed various furniture, vehicles and food stalls from the pavement. Benches which were installed around a tree by a restaurant were also removed.

Security guards remove benches set up around a tree in front of a restaurant on Ngo Duc Ke Street

Doan Ngoc Hai, vice chairman of District 1 demanded strict punishment to deal with encroachment. "The pavement is for the pedestrians," he said. "Illegal encroachment leaves no space for other people."

Vo Quoc Hung, vice chairman of Ben Nghe Ward said they had dealt with various cases in the past. In preparation for the Tet Holiday, all 10 wards in District 1 had been told to tighten management of their pavements. Ben Nghe Ward will continue freeing up the pavements and it's estimated that the policy will last for only two months.