Sidewalk encroachment crackdown intensified on some Ho Chi Minh City streets

Officers detected widespread encroachment along Nguyen Xi Street in Binh Loi Trung Ward, near Pham Van Dong Street at 7:46 pm.

Numerous vendors were found occupying sidewalks and parts of the roadway to sell goods, including vegetables, seafood, and food products.

The activities obstructed traffic flow and deprived pedestrians of their designated walking space.

Officers booked and fined three vendors for the illegal use of sidewalks and roadways for trading purposes.

Under Clause 7, Article 12 of Decree 168/2024, each violator got a fine of VND2-3 million (US$76-114).

Later, at around 8:30 pm, a patrol team discovered a series of eateries and drinking establishments along Pham Van Dong Street in Binh Loi Trung Ward placing tables and chairs on the sidewalk, forcing pedestrians onto the roadbed and creating potential traffic hazards.

Two food establishments were fined VND2-3 million each for illegally using sidewalks and road space for business operations.

In addition, police cited one drinking establishment for unlawfully using the sidewalk for food and beverage services, with a fine of VND2-3 million.

The owner of this establishment was also penalized for temporarily using the sidewalk for purposes other than its designated function without a permit, an offense carrying a heavier fine of VND10-15 million ($380-571).

Officers continued to identify two more drinking establishments near the railway area and a snail eatery on Pham Van Dong Street in Hanh Thong Ward that had set up tables and chairs on the promenade.

These businesses were found to have committed violations related to the illicit use of sidewalks for dining services.

Beyond imposing fines, officers required all offending businesses to immediately remove encroachments and restore sidewalks to their original condition for pedestrian use.

Business owners were also asked to sign written commitments pledging not to repeat the violations, as part of efforts to reinforce legal compliance and urban discipline.

Enforcement efforts will continue to be intensified in the coming period to decisively address sidewalk encroachment, restore order to roadways and promenades, and ensure traffic safety and urban order across the area.