HUNTINGTON BEACH

The City Council has given preliminary approval to an ordinance prohibiting people from loitering on street medians or sidewalks next to intersections.

Police Chief Ron Lowenberg, who proposed the ordinance, said he is concerned that people standing in those areas could be hurt during traffic accidents if vehicles jump over center medians or onto intersection sidewalks. The ordinance stipulates that people cannot loiter in those areas for any longer than is necessary to travel across a public right-of-way. Lowenberg said a 10-minute period would be deemed unreasonable, except in an emergency situation.

The ordinance will come before the City Council for final approval March 11.