Council debates pedestrian-safety ordinance; item carried over for two weeks

City staff and councilmembers discussed a proposed ordinance amending the city code to regulate dangerous pedestrian conduct on medians, roadways and pedestrian refuges. Supporters said the ordinance is aimed at reducing pedestrian-vehicle collisions in high-traffic corridors; opponents raised concerns about enforcement and impacts on people experiencing homelessness. Legal staff said the ordinance was drafted broadly and that courts have upheld similar restrictions in other jurisdictions.

Key points from the discussion Staff and proponents said Montgomery has a high rate of pedestrian/vehicle collisions and the ordinance would prevent people from occupying medians and other unsafe locations. The draft calls for a verbal warning before citation and leaves discretion for officers to act if someone presents an imminent danger. Councilmembers asked whether the law would criminalize panhandling or simply target people in hazardous zones; staff said the ordinance targets specified prohibited zones (medians and marked pedestrian refuges) and not sidewalks or other lawful locations.

Next steps After discussion the council voted to carry the item over for two weeks for additional review and to ensure legal and enforcement coordination. Police and city prosecutors noted they would need to coordinate implementation and that enforcement decisions would follow the ordinance as written.

Ending The item was carried over; councilmembers asked staff to return with clarified language and enforcement guidance.