The Dallas City Council voted on Wednesday to prohibit people from standing or walking on medians in the streets and roadways of Dallas.
In a 14-1 vote, the council passed an ordinance that prohibits “standing and walking on medians measuring six feet or less in width.” Those who violate the prohibition can be fined up to $500, according to the ordinance.
The vote followed an extensive debate between council members in which those who supported the ordinance explained that its purpose was to promote public safety.
In the meeting, which The Dallas Express attended, Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn pointed out that 68 Dallas pedestrians were killed in 2021, and 53 have died so far this year.
She said the ordinance was not meant to hinder the ordinary person from crossing the street. Instead, it was intended to protect the safety of the public and is aimed toward those who “just plant themselves” in the medians.
“This intent is good,” said Mendelsohn. “I’m very much in support of it.”
Councilmember Gay Willis said the ordinance would “give marshals a tool to help people in medians who are high” and move them to a safer location.
Alternatively, Councilmember Adam Bazaldua, the only member who voted against the ordinance, said that the prohibition would effectively “criminalize panhandling.” He argued that it would be enforced only on the impoverished.
The public safety explanation is “extremely disingenuous,” according to Bazaldua, who claimed that it is “absolutely despicable” to “fine people for standing in a median.”
The Dallas Police Department clarified that calls relating to this ordinance will be treated as a lower priority, and officers will likely not be involved unless the situation has “risen to a safety issue.”
Penalties issued for violating the ordinance will be handled by the Dallas Municipal Court.
Before voting on this ordinance, the council agreed to an annual review of the issue, meaning that in one year, the ordinance will be revisited, and its effects will be examined to determine whether it should remain.