Councilman: Panhandlers are putting drivers, themselves in danger

April 7, 2016 10:55 am

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

A Providence City Councilman said Wednesday that he wants Mayor Elorza to continue to enforce the panhandling ordinance.

Councilman Nicholas Narducci (Ward 4) said that panhandlers in the city are creating unsafe situations, and if Mayor Elorza continues his decision to stop enforcing the ordinance, it will put drivers and panhandlers at risk.

The Councilman’s full statement reads: “Panhandling to drivers creates a number of unsafe circumstances and I’d like to see Mayor Elorza rescind his decision [to halt enforcement of the panhandling ordinance]. When individuals are panhandling to drivers—especially on highway exits, on-ramps, and at busy intersections—they’re endangering both motorists and themselves. Another concern is the harassment of drivers. We aren’t protecting anyone by choosing to ignore the laws we have in place to keep them safe.”