Pattaya —
Pattaya City has successfully completed its endeavor to enhance the landscape of the world-famous Pattaya Walking Street by removing all traffic-obstructive overhead signs.
The low-hanging signs had been a problem on Walking Street for a long time, said Pattaya City officials, as they not only displeased tourists visually but also posed obstacles for fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
In response to this challenge, the city had been diligently working over the past few months to address and rectify the situation.
Other than removing blocking billboards from the street, the city also requested business operators to make their signage align parallel to the buildings, starting from the entrance of Walking Street and extending to the Bali Hai Pier.
Now as of August 2nd, the street has been cleared of unsightly signs, a success applauded by city officials. The operation is also deemed beneficial for the upcoming plans to dismantle utility poles in early October of this year.
The Pattaya News notes, however, that some business owners were upset with the sign removals and claimed it made the street too “dark and dull”. They also claimed it made it difficult for visitors to find certain locations and venues.
Pattaya City is likely to address the lighting issues in the future once they remove utility poles and remaining overhead electrical wires.
All removed signs were returned to the owners, said Pattaya City officials.
