Panhandler Crackdown A Safety Issue, Wethersfield Officials Say

WETHERSFIELD, CT — A proposed ordinance that could crack down on roadside panhandling is coming under fire from the Connecticut chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

While state ACLU officials say such an ordinance may be unconstitutional, town officials claim it is merely a matter of public safety.

The ordinance, which if violated would lead to a $50 fine against the individual, targets "Pedestrians Interfering with the Flow of Traffic."

It was initially proposed last February and revised last month. It is expected to be voted on by the Wethersfield Town Council on Monday, May 15.

Wethersfield Town Council meetings are typically held the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at Wethersfield Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway.

According to WTNH Channel 8, the situation came about because of several incidents allegedly caused by panhandlers on the Sileas Deane Highway, a main commercial roadway in town.

The town was flooded with resident complaints of near accidents caused by people soliciting donations on the highway at intersections and traffic lights, according to WTNH.

Dan Barrett, legal director of ACLU of Connecticut, told WTNH the ordinance is "likely unconstitutional" and there are questions about how the ordinance would be enforced.

Town officials, though, told WTNH the purpose isn't to eliminate panhandling as much as it is to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians in that area.

According to the latest ordinance revision as posted on the Town of Wethersfield website's meeting information, "it is unlawful" for a pedestrian to enter a highway and create a hazard to themselves and/or slow or stop traffic.

The proposed ordinance makes exceptions for events like parades, festivals and other charitable events or fundraisers, so long as they're permitted by state and/or local government officials.

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>>>Read/watch the full WTNH News 8 story here.

>>>Read the full proposed town ordinance here.