The notoriously crowded streets of Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao may soon be vehicle-free in the evenings.
According to Tuoi Tre, Ho Chi Minh City Party chief Dinh La Thang is asking municipal officials to consider a ban on vehicle traffic in the backpacker area. Under Thang's current proposal, the move would make crowded areas like Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien pedestrian-only from 7pm until late.
District 1 Party chief Huynh Thanh Hai also supported the measure at a recent meeting of District 1 Party officials, along with Nguyen Tan Dat, chief police officer of the downtown district. Given the area's heavy foot traffic and many commercial outlets, city officials believe the ban would be a logical step to increasing safety in the neighborhood.
Moving forward, Thang will approach the HCMC People's Committee with the idea, however no official decision has been made yet.
[Photo via lets.book]
