Artesia Acts to Keep Beggers, Peddlers Out of Traffic

Solicitors have gotten a bit too aggressive for the likes of some Artesia motorists.

Complaints about people who weave through intersections during red lights asking for donations or selling flowers have prompted the city staff to draft an ordinance to keep such peddlers away from traffic.

The ordinance would prohibit anyone from waiting at streets or sidewalks to solicit business, employment or contributions from vehicles in public streets. A first reading of the ordinance earlier this week drew no public comment, and the City Council scheduled a final decision June 10.

Assistant City Manager Maria Lloyd said residents have called repeatedly over the past two years to complain about the solicitors, many of whom stand at street medians then wade into traffic for an opportunity to approach motorists. Much of the activity occurs on Pioneer and Artesia boulevards, she said.

“It becomes a very dangerous situation, especially in rush hour,” Lloyd said, adding that no injuries have been linked to jaywalking peddlers so far.

Sheriff’s deputies regularly cite peddlers for obstructing traffic, but she said a specific ordinance would allow the city’s public safety staff to address the problem as well.

Hank Gray, executive director of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce, agreed that something ought to be done about solicitors who create traffic problems. But he suggested regulating peddlers rather than dictating where they can work.

“They should have some kind of permit,” Gray said.