Supporters say standing in these areas is unsafe, but opponents are concerned this ordinance could potentially impact panhandlers and homeless people.
HOUSTON — If you drive around Houston, you likely see people standing at street intersections. On Wednesday, Houston City Council decided to prohibit sitting, standing and walking on some median strips.
Supporters said this is a solution to reducing auto-pedestrian crashes, while opponents feel this may target homeless or low-income residents.
The ordinance now prohibits sitting, standing and walking on a median strip that measures six feet or less in width or in areas between divided roadways where no median strip exists. The penalty is a $500 fine and it’s a class C misdemeanor.
Councilmember Mary Nan Huffman, one of the members who submitted the proposal, says it’s a proactive step in preventing traffic fatalities. She cited statistics from HPD showing 33.9% of people killed in traffic accidents are pedestrians.
“Medians aren’t designed to be walkways; this concern was brought by multiple residents by HPD officers on the frontlines,” Councilmember Mary Nan Huffman said.
There are exceptions for people crossing the street or if the person is the victim of or giving aid in an emergency. Another exception is made for people performing work in the right-of-way or who have prior authorization from the city.
The ordinance passed with an 11-2 vote, with councilmembers Letitia Plummer and Tiffany D. Thomas voting no.
“They get a misdemeanor, don’t have an address, turns into a warrant, now they’re arrested, I think the unintended consequence could potentially be people who don’t have the means to go to court and represent themselves,” Letitia Plummer said during the meeting.
“This doesn’t prohibit panhandling; we know that some people make their living that way. But we want people to do it in a safe manner, we want them to be in spaces that are sidewalks that are meant for people to be on,” Council member Huffman stated.
The proposal goes into effect immediately, but Councilmember Huffman says Houston Police will be giving a grace period to inform people about the changes.
Mayor John Whitmire supported the ordinance but says adjustments can be made if needed in the future.
“Let’s give HPD some credit, they will use their judgment and address hardship cases,” Mayor Whitmire said. “Let’s don’t forget the travelers, some of the panhandlers are becoming more aggressive,” he continued.
A similar ordinance was enacted in Dallas years ago, but it is currently facing a lawsuit.
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