In response to an increase of crowds and people on the South Side, Pittsburgh’s public safety leaders said police will start issuing warnings and citations to people who block public passageways beginning Friday.
The decision is in response to “large numbers of young people” populating the South Side on weekends and evenings at bars and restaurants as COVID-19 measures are lifted, according to Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Cara Cruz.
An increased volume of people on East Carson Street has resulted in nearly impassable sidewalks, pedestrians flowing into the road amid traffic, and parked vehicles blocking safety lanes, police said.
There have also been fistfights, pedestrians struck by vehicles, and incidents of gun violence, police said.
Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said the department is happy the city is returning to normal, but called the situation on the South Side “dangerous and untenable.”
“First responder vehicles must have access to East Carson in case of an emergency and overcrowded sidewalks pose hazards to pedestrians who then spill onto the streets and into vehicle traffic,” Mr. Hissrich said. “Without changes, someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed.”
Police will first issue warnings and then citations to those who obstruct public passageways. If violators fail to comply, arrests will be possible, police said. The citations could carry penalties of up to $300 plus court costs.
Police motorcycle and bicycle units also will be in place to enforce parking. All vehicles in violation of the posted measures will be towed.
Lacretia Wimbley: lwimbley@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1510 or on Twitter @Wimbleyjourno.
First Published: July 1, 2021, 6:18 p.m.
Updated: July 1, 2021, 7:36 p.m.