The adjustment to school and work schedules in Ha Noi would begin from February 1 next year, after Tet (Lunar New Year), said Nguyen The Thao, chairman of the city's People's Committee during a meeting with voters in central Hoan Kiem District yesterday.

Thao said the adjustment would be delayed until that time so as to avoid arousing confusion among people before the holiday.

Discussion at the meeting also broached on other topics. Voters expressed their concerns over the encroachment of automobiles on the streets, which led to traffic congestion, and urged the construction of more parking lots in the city's central areas.

Nguyen Quoc Hung, director of the Department of Transport said the department would discuss and plan parking lots for the central districts and added that parking on the streets and pavements would be prohibited along major traffic corridors.

In response to concerns over the negative effects the pedestrianisation of certain streets would have on business, Hung said the arrangement for pedestrianisation would be designed to minimise any potential negative impacts on people's lives.

A recent survey revealed that more than 70 per cent of households living in these areas supported pedestrianisation, he added.

Source: VNS