Panhandlers finding ways around off-ramp safety law


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SALT LAKE CITY — About a year ago, a new state law went into effect, primarily targeting panhandlers. It was a safety law that seemed to be working. The off-ramps along I-15 looked almost free of people begging for money.

But this summer those same stretches of road appear to be more and more occupied with panhandlers, many who have become a safety concern.

"I don't really actually panhandle, or ask right out. I just fly a sign," said panhandler Jerry Akre.

For many people, panhandling has become a career. Highway off-ramps are now their places of employment. But those off-ramps are operating under a new set of rules.

In 2014, the state passed a law prohibiting anyone from stepping into the off-ramp, engaging in conduct that impedes or blocks traffic. Simply put, you cannot walk, run or step foot onto the road. It's not a popular law with panhandlers.

"My personal thought is I think they're stupid for making the damn fool law in the first place," said panhandler Emil Miller.

When the law initially went into effect, Utah Highway Patrol officers said it seemed to be working. The exit ramps up and down the Wasatch Front were almost panhandler-free. UHP alone handed out 153 citations in the past year. But just one year after the law was passed, it appears it's being broken time after time after time.

Then just weeks ago, on June 9, UHP says a couple of panhandlers were injured after a car jumped the curb on the I-80 off-ramp to 1300 East.

"Serious injuries; they were both hit by a vehicle so they're pretty serious," said Sgt. Blaine Robbins.

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The officer said the men, 47-year-old Thomas Rayban and 24-year-old Joseph Baker, were standing in the wrong place at the wrong time. Records show this isn't the first time these two have been accused of skirting the law.

"We believe that the problem has increased, and that's what brings us concern," said Sgt. Todd Royce.

Nobody really seems to know the answer as to why the increase. Is there a sudden surge in begging? Has UHP lightened up their patrols? KSL Investigators found no evidence supporting either of those options.

But talk to any panhandler, who has spent the past year being chased from the off-ramps, and you'll quickly learn that in the past year they've also become well-versed in the specifics of the new law.

"They'll tell you to stay on the sidewalks."

"I've been told not to go out in the road."

"Told me I couldn't go out in the road."

"As long as you don't go past this yellow line."

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They know their rights.

"They'll ask the people to throw the money to them," said Sgt. Royce. "Or if the money's in the road they'll try to fan it out of the road."

While that may give more panhandlers confidence to go out there and legally work the off-ramps, KSL Investigators found many will follow the rules only when being watched. The rest of the time, they'll take their chances.

"I tell you, these bad drivers out here, they always look to the left, never to the right," said panhandler Miller.

UHP says they'll continue to cite panhandlers caught going into the road, but they encourage drivers to give to charities that will help the homeless, instead of panhandlers.

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Mike Headrick

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