The City of Plano has installed signs to discourage people from entering roadways and remind drivers that handing out money to a pedestrian puts them at risk.
Twenty-five new pedestrian safety signs have been placed in the city’s most congested areas in the last two weeks. Ed Drain, the chief of the Plano Police Department, said it is inherently dangerous for people to stand on medians near intersections or to step into the road.
Plano’s Community Services division also emphasized that not everyone who asks for donations at an intersection is genuinely in need, noting that the City assists everyone who requires assistance and is willing to accept it. In Plano and Collin Counties, numerous agencies and non-profits specialize in helping such individuals. The City collaborates closely with these organizations.
“We understand that there are people in need in our community and we have resources in the community where people can be helped,” said Drain.
According to Drain, officers will issue warnings to solicitors first, followed by citations that could result in fines. If the penalties are not paid, the offense may be classified as a Class C misdemeanor.
WFAA spoke with Zan Holmes at the Central Expressway and 15th Street corner during the midday rush. In the wake of his wife’s death last year, Holmes claims that he went into a downward spiral. Now living with two roommates, he must budget $30 per day to pay the rent.
“If [cars] are moving, then you don’t go in the street. That’s common sense,” said Holmes.
As reported by The Dallas Express, the Dallas City Council has proposed a new law to reduce panhandling on the streets and along highways.
Dallas officials will examine an ordinance prohibiting pedestrians from standing on medians smaller than six feet wide, roadways without medians, and other areas of streets such as bike paths next Wednesday. Anyone found in violation of the new rule could be issued a Class C felony ticket with a fine of up to $500.