Panhandling, ATV Ban On West Hartford Public Safety Agenda

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The West Hartford Public Safety Committee is scheduled to discuss "aggressive panhandling" in town and a crackdown on all-terrain vehicle use on town roads at its Wednesday meeting.

The meeting is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. The town's panhandling initiative is the fourth item up for discussion.

Also on the agenda is a discussion on a proposed ordinance that would formally ban ATV use on municipal roads.

Town officials said an increase in ATV use has "raised concerns regarding the noise emanating from ATVs, the dirt raised up into the air by operation of ATVs, as well as concerns for the safety and well-being of pedestrians and other licensed vehicles."

"Reckless or careless operation of ATVs carries an increased risk of injury to any person or property within the town and prohibiting the use of ATVs within the town of West Hartford is necessary in order to promote and protect the safety, health and general welfare of its citizens," the ordinance reads.

If passed, the ordinance would amend the existing Section One, Chapter 168 of the Code of the Town of West Hartford.

The meeting will be streamed on the local YouTube channel.