City installs street signs discouraging panhandling in some medians

PEORIA, Ill. – The City of Peoria isn’t necessarily discouraging panhandling, but they are saying be careful about where it’s being done.

The city’s public works department has started putting up signs which read “Panhandling or Soliciting is Unsafe in Median.”

“What was found in the (September, 2021) study is that ultimately, where these signs are being placed and popping up, as people will see, that these spots are ultimately dangerous for people to stand there, be in,” said Nicholas McMillion, Communications Specialist, Peoria Public Works. “It doesn’t matter what exactly they’re doing — if they’re panhandling, if they’re soliciting.”

McMillion says while his department is putting the signs up at some high profile intersections, police will be responsible for enforcement.

Other cities, like Springfield, have tried and failed to ban panhandling altogether, saying it’s a drag on tourism and local businesses.

“We’re not suggesting or advising people that they can’t panhandle or solicit, or do any activity that they want to in the median,” said McMillion. “What we are reminding them of is that it is ultimately unsafe to be in the spot.”

McMillion says more signs need to go up, too, but the city is waiting on state approval for those, like on War Memorial Drive, which is a state highway.