In order to address public safety concerns, on August 11, 2009, City Council adopted an ordinance that added Section 21-600 to the City Code.  This new Code section prohibits persons and vehicles from occupying a highway median.  The term “highway” includes all City streets and roadways, and the term “median” refers to the dividing area—either paved or grassed—between opposing lanes of traffic on certain City streets and roadways.

Exceptions are made for:

• pedestrians who are crossing a street
• city/governmental employees performing official duties
• when the adjacent roadway is closed to traffic (i.e., during permitted marathons or parades)
• city/governmental vehicles operating in the course of official business
• utility employees and vehicles; andin the event of a mechanical breakdown or emergency. 

A violation of this Section constitutes a Class II misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,500, up to six months in jail, or both.

                                                                                             ###

268pol