It is illegal to panhandle on medians or highway ramps in the City of Milwaukee.
The law went into effect Friday. The new law prohibits people from loitering or panhandling on any median less than five feet wide or any other median that has been deemed as a safety hazard for pedestrians.
The ordinance was unanimously approved by the Milwaukee Common Council earlier this month. Alderman Bob Donovan sponsored the ordinance and said there was growing concern about people asking for money or selling things on dangerous medians, where car crashes can occur.
The new law does not apply to people crossing the street, utility workers, or on-duty police, fire, and emergency officials responding to calls.
Violators of the new law could be fined $50 to $200 plus court costs. Those unable to be pay could be put in jail.
