Elmo waives hand to passers-by to take a picture with him in the new zone, but few respond. Photo by Nancy Kong / For China Daily

A survey conducted by the alliance found that more than 90 percent of people who work in the Times Square area are in favor of the new rules.

Umaru Barrie, a tour bus ticket seller, also likes the rule. "Nothing's changed for my business," he said. "I just bring people into the zone and talk to them. It's a better move for the tourists. In the past, performers and sellers used to fight over getting people's attention, but not anymore."

L.M. said most tourists don't care or even know about the new regulations.

Liu, a tourist from China who was on his second visit to Times Square, said he didn't know about the zones until he was interviewed. "Times Square is a must-go place for me," he said, "and I am happy to see it more organized."

Some people who work in Times Square also said they were unaware of the new restrictions but liked the idea.

"I was once grabbed by one of those characters," said Jeremy Levitt, who is from South Africa and works in Times Square. "In the past, you had to watch out for those people. But I feel more comfortable now walking in the area."

Russ Linder, a local resident, also favors the change. "I think it's a good thing, but it is hard to say whether the rule is effective for now," he said. "As more people realize and obey the regulations, I think it will become more organized."

"Everybody is obeying the rule now," said L.M. Superman. "Both the police and us are trying to get it right."

Nancy Kong and Judy Zhu in New York contributed to this story.