Yvonne,
More may be happening than you know...
There have been trials all summer long with the traffic lights changing at "random" times, I think the authorities are trying to determine the best way to handle the situation just as has been done with the sidewalks.
The construction of the existing sidewalk was halted this summer and altered due to the aesthic quality of the sidewalk - they added colored bricks down the middle and the sides to make them more visually appealing.
As with the using the new sidewalk as a parking space, the local authorities are fully aware of the issue and are addressing it. But obviously, during the busiest single tourism week of the entire year, they will no doubt wait until the busy time is over to start to warn and fine the offenders...
As with any change - it takes time for the changes to become the norm, otherwise it would not be called a "change"... (grin)
