Shanghai will step up efforts to crack down on illegal food and other stalls in downtown areas, pledging to end the "uncivilized practice" and remove sidewalk eyesores by 2008 before the 2010 World Expo.

Jiao Yang, spokeswoman of the Shanghai municipal government, told a news conference yesterday the aim is to ensure a sound social condition during the World Expo and remove illegal booths.

She cited nine key areas, such as the Bund, Lujiazui, and Xujiahui, and 79 main streets, including Yan'an Road and Huaihai Road, as the "Forbidden Areas," where illegal stalls should be removed.

Another 22 subdistricts are designated "Controlled Areas," where a small number of stands, such as breakfast and repair stalls, should be put at designed venues.

"Considering such stalls provide convenience for the public, they will be allowed for the time being but can not occupy roads," Jiao said.

Illicit stalls outside the Outer Ring Road will be moved to indoor markets or banned, she said.

Those stalls are considered a persistent ailment, as they "affect traffic, disturb citizens' lives and pollute the environment," she said.

Urban administrative agencies citywide received more than 10,000 citizen complaints about the illegal stalls last year.

Officials estimate there are more than 30,000 illegal stalls inside the Outer Ring Road.

(Shanghai Daily May 18, 2006)