PORTLAND (AP) — The Portland City Council is taking up a proposal that would ban panhandling from median strips, a measure sought by police and supported by many motorists.
Police Chief Michael Sauschuck says there’s been a big increase in roadside panhandling since the City Council rejected a similar proposal a year ago.
He says it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt or killed.
The city already bans aggressive panhandling. Sauschuck says his concern is panhandling in close proximity to cars and trucks on busy streets, a practice that becomes even more dangerous when alcohol is involved.
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