In an effort to declutter the streets of Vientiane, authorities took to the footpaths along Khouvieng Road, surrounding areas of Kuadin market and several other various locations around town last week, ordering unsanctioned street vendors and traders to vacate the premises.
The crackdown was issued by the Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department, in relation to the ongoing “Clean Vientiane” campaign.
Director of Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department, Dethsongkharm Thammavong declared on June 16, that the removal and relocation of street vendors from busy roads to designated areas will be completed by this week.
With an attempt in providing constant traffic flow, better transportation for both domestic and foreign visitors along with maintaining a cleaner city, tuk-tuks have also been ordered to relocate to the assigned areas, otherwise risk being fined in accordance with traffic laws.
There are several areas in and around the capital that are notoriously known to be gridlocked during rush hour. By restricting street vendors and tuks-tuks from parking themselves in the middle of chaotic traffic, officials hope to alleviate the amount of congestion and blockage within the city.
