Roseburg looks to curb off-ramp panhandlers
ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) - Roseburg has become the first Oregon city to ban motorists who are driving vehicles from donating to panhandlers. They often inhabit off-ramps from freeways and other intersections.
But the city does not have data on panhandler-related traffic accidents. That disturbs Chris Spens, one of two City Council members to vote against the ordinance.
Spens says there hasn't been an identified safety problem that would justify the ordinance.
The ordinance targets drivers and passengers in cars as well as panhandlers and carries a $75 fine.
Oregon courts have long held that panhandling near roads is protected speech.
Roseburg leaders say the law has been carefully drafted to avoid any constitutional challenges.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
But the city does not have data on panhandler-related traffic accidents. That disturbs Chris Spens, one of two City Council members to vote against the ordinance.
Spens says there hasn't been an identified safety problem that would justify the ordinance.
The ordinance targets drivers and passengers in cars as well as panhandlers and carries a $75 fine.
Oregon courts have long held that panhandling near roads is protected speech.
Roseburg leaders say the law has been carefully drafted to avoid any constitutional challenges.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)