City bans panhandling on medians

Panhandling on many medians and ramps will soon be banned in Milwaukee.

A measure approved this month by city officials prohibits people from loitering on any median less than 5 feet wide or any median in a road or highway that is considered a safety hazard for pedestrians.

The law takes effect on Oct. 28.

The Common Council unanimously voted to approve the ordinance last week and it was signed Wednesday by Mayor Tom Barrett.

The measure, sponsored by Ald. Bob Donovan, says certain medians "are safety hazards for pedestrians to loiter or stand upon, due to the number of reported traffic accidents occurring at these locations."

Violators could be fined $50 to $200 plus court costs, and they could be jailed if they're unable to pay, the ordinance says.

The law wouldn't apply to people who are crossing the street, on-duty law enforcement officials or public employees, fire or emergency employees providing emergency assistance or utility workers.

Donovan said the measure is the result of "a huge increase in individuals" using medians for a variety of reasons, from panhandling to selling things or asking for church donations, as well as concerns about reckless driving and car crashes.

He said he had not heard from any opponents of the measure.