(CNA, Hanoi, 18th, by reporter Tseng Ting-hsuan) Recently, Hanoi police in Vietnam have been gradually intensifying their crackdown on the long-standing issue of businesses encroaching on sidewalks to improve the city's image. While most citizens say the sidewalks are now safer and cleaner, it could accelerate the disappearance of street culture and hit the 'sidewalk economy.' Some suggest creating dedicated pedestrian zones for vendors to set up stalls. Since February of this year, the Hanoi city government has moved from persuasion to strict enforcement, vigorously tidying up sidewalk spaces, with results gradually becoming apparent. In recent weeks, many sidewalks in Hanoi have become cleaner, street food stalls' tables and chairs have been put away, and the chaotic parking of motorcycles has slightly decreased, making it easier for pedestrians to walk. The streets in the city center are still bustling with traffic, and restaurants and cafes are thriving. However, the sidewalks are much wider, and the plastic chairs and food stalls that used to obstruct them have largely disappeared. Pedestrians no longer need to navigate an 'obstacle course' through stalls and street-side tables and chairs. For many citizens, this change is welcome, as the dangerous situation of pedestrians being forced onto the road has improved, and the streets are cleaner. Tuan Anh, who works at a coffee bar in Hanoi, told CNA, 'There's more space to walk. Before, I often had to walk on the road, which was quite dangerous. It's more convenient and safer now. I wasn't used to it at first, but I've come to feel that this policy is helpful for Hanoi.' Ngoc, who once lived in Taiwan, also expressed support for the new regulations. 'Passersby used to think of Hanoi as a crowded place, but after the reform, the roads will be easier to walk on. Business owners will gradually cooperate with the government's and the chairman's reforms, and Hanoi will get better and better,' she said in fluent Mandarin