The Phoenix City Council has approved a new ordinance prohibiting panhandlers from standing in the medians of Phoenix roads.
Police Lieutenant Matt Giordano says the measure is not about panhandling, but is an attempt to improve traffic safety.
“We would just like to keep people out of the roadway, where when they’re in the roadway they’re in marked or unmarked crosswalks where they’re intended to be, where people driving expect them to be, not at random locations throughout the travel-way," Giordano said.
Giordano says officers will first explain the law to those who may be violating it, followed by a fine of up to $250.
Repeat offenders will face higher fines and possible arrest. On average, Giordano says there are 40 pedestrian/vehicle fatalities a year in Phoenix.