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City Council adopts ban on standing or sitting on narrow medians for pedestrian safety
Summary
Houston City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting people from sitting, standing or walking on median strips less than 6 feet wide after debate about enforcement, equity and public education. The measure passed 11–2 and includes limited exceptions and an initial public-education period, council members said.
Houston City Council voted 11–2 on Aug. 27 to adopt an ordinance that bans sitting, standing and walking on median strips measured at 6 feet or less, a change council members said is aimed at reducing avoidable pedestrian injuries.
The ordinance, sponsored in council discussion by Councilmember Huffman, makes small, narrow medians — often traffic dividers with little room for anyone caught there — off-limits except when a pedestrian is passing through in the most direct route or in emergency or law-enforcement-directed situations. Violations are a Class C misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $500, and council members said the city expects an initial public-education period and officer discretion before enforcement increases.
"Public safety has to be a top priority in our city,"…
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