Recommend that the Mayor and Aldermen adopt the proposed ordinance prohibiting pedestrians from interfering with the flow of traffic, which includes occupying medians. In 2020, the Savannah Police Department recorded 95 pedestrian-related traffic accidents, including 4 fatalities and 77 incidents with injury. This ordinance prohibits persons from standing, sitting or otherwise occupying any portion of streets or adjacent medians.  Further, it disallows: soliciting employment, business or contributions from the occupant(s) of vehicles; and obstructing public streets by hindering, impeding, or interfering with, the free, uninterrupted passage of vehicles or traffic. 

If adopted, this ordinance is expected to reduce injuries to the public caused by motor vehicle accidents. This ordinance will advance City goals of public safety and residents feeling safe in their neighborhoods and is designed to serve the best interests of the health and general welfare of the City, its residents and the general public by addressing safety for both drivers and pedestrians, as well as ensuring the unimpeded flow of traffic.

Approval