A rocky solution: giant boulders cemented outside Vietnam school to block sidewalk parking
An extreme measure to deter sidewalk parking has raised safety concerns after around a dozen large rocks were cemented onto the sidewalk in front of a middle school in central Vietnam, leaving pedestrians bemused.
Parents dropping their children off at Doan Thi Diem Secondary School in Dak Lak Province on Tuesday morning were surprised to find numerous giant boulders set in mortar on the pavement in front of the school.
A video showing the rocks cemented on the sidewalk beside the school gate circulated on Facebook the same day, prompting questions about why they had been installed.
Boulders cemented on the sidewalk. Photo: Minh Phuong / Tuoi Tre
According to observations by Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper reporters at 2:00 pm, some 11 rocks of various sizes and colors had been cemented on the tiled pavement in front of the school.
Some residents speculated that the rocks had been installed to prevent cars from parking on the pavement.
Others, however, expressed concern that they could pose a serious safety hazard, particularly for students who might run or play without noticing the obstacles.
The rocks become potential tripping hazards for pedestrians on the sidewalk. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre
The rocks could also become a tripping hazard for pedestrians at night, when poor visibility makes them difficult to see.
Tran Mau Hoa, principal of the school, told Tuoi Tre that the school was not responsible for cementing the rocks.
He said that local residents might have installed them out of frustration with cars parking on the pavement.
Hoa acknowledged that the rocks could endanger students, especially those running or playing in the area who might accidentally trip and fall.
The school had instructed its security staff to remove the rocks to ensure the safety of students and pedestrians.
The sidewalk in front of the school was recently constructed and is relatively wide.
Rocks secured in mortar on the sidewalk. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre
However, it has reportedly been used by motorists to park cars, contributing to concerns over pedestrian access and safety.
The school called on local authorities to take prompt action to address the encroachment of parked vehicles and street vendors onto the sidewalk.
A clear and accessible walkway would allow parents to wait safely while picking up their children after school.
The rocks removed on the afternoon of October 20, 2026. Photo: Supplied
A police officer in Buon Ma Thuot Ward said that officers coordinated with the ward's urban order team to respond to the incident on Tuesday afternoon.
The authorities promptly removed the rocks that had been cemented onto the pavement to ensure pedestrian safety.
Tieu Bac - Le Trung - Minh Phuong / Tuoi Tre News