Politics & Government

Leesburg Adopts Panhandling Ban within the Town

The measure follows a move made earlier this year by Loudoun County

Following a move made by the Loudoun Board of Supervisors earlier this year, the Leesburg Town Council this week instituted a panhandling ban to put an end to roadside collections. The measure also prohibits all such roadside solicitations, including firefighters’ annual Fill-the-Boot campaign.

When the Loudoun board adopted the measure in March, concerns were expressed the impact to the Fill-the-Boot campaign, which benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Safety concerns were cited as well as a difficulty in monitoring the practice. At the time Loudoun adopted the ban, Supervisor Ken Reid (R-Leesburg) expressed concerns that such collections would simply move into local towns that had not such prohibitions.

The Leesburg ordinance takes immediate effect.

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During the 2013 session, he Virginia General Assembly granted localities the authority to ban such activities.  

“The main issue is safety,” explained John Wells, Leesburg’s Town Manager. “We don’t want people stepping into lanes of traffic to get donations from passing cars. This is a safety concern for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians.”

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Violations will be considered traffic infractions with a fine of up to $250.


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