Las Vegas City Council Passes Ordinance Prohibiting Stopping on Pedestrian Bridges Along the Strip to Enhance Public Safety

Clark County Imposes Misdemeanor Charges for Congestion on Las Vegas Strip’s Pedestrian Bridges, Emphasizing Continuous Flow and Safety Measures

In a move to bolster public safety measures along the bustling Las Vegas Strip, the Las Vegas City Council recently passed an ordinance that imposes restrictions on stopping or congregating on specific pedestrian bridges. The Clark County Board of Commissioners solidified the ordinance, making it a misdemeanor crime for individuals to halt their movement along these walkways.

“The bridges were not designed for pedestrians to stop, stand, or congregate other than for incidental and brief views of the Las Vegas Strip,” highlighted the significance of the ordinance. Undersheriff Andrew Walsh of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) underscored the challenges posed by congested pedestrian traffic along these bridges, citing crime, disorder, and visibility hindrances for law enforcement officers patrolling the area.

“First, it’s the crime and disorder… due to the bridges that are congested and the concealed nature of the bridges. For officers, there is a challenge of not being able to see what is happening on the bridges when they are on foot patrol and when they are on the street below,” explained Walsh, pointing out the concealed vantage points hindering law enforcement’s monitoring of pedestrian activity.

The ordinance seeks to alleviate these challenges by prohibiting anyone from stopping, standing, or engaging in activities that impede the flow of pedestrians. Dr. William Sousa, the Director of UNLV’s Center for Crime and Justice Policy, emphasized the public safety risks of congested bridges, citing potential crowd-related hazards and bottlenecks during emergencies.

The scope of the ordinance extends beyond immediate walkways, incorporating a 20-foot buffer zone around escalators and elevators adjacent to the bridges, although it excludes individuals waiting for an elevator. This step aims to equip public safety officers and responders with necessary tools to manage emergency situations effectively.

While the ordinance has garnered support for its emphasis on public safety, concerns about potential violations of individuals’ First Amendment rights have emerged. Athar Haseebullah, Executive Director of the ACLU of Nevada, urged an alternative approach, proposing permanent officer placements on the bridges to address the reported crime issues.

However, Commissioner James Gibson, advocating for the ordinance’s approval, stressed its importance in providing law enforcement with tools to manage rare instances of non-compliance effectively.

Clark County assured that the Public Works Department would install signage to notify individuals of the new regulations. Initial violations would prompt warnings before potential citations or arrests.

In response to the Board’s action, Clark County released a statement reiterating the ordinance’s intent to facilitate continuous pedestrian flow, ensuring safety while permitting tourists and locals to capture photos along the Boulevard. This measure aligns with the objective of maintaining the Strip’s status as a secure tourist destination.