New ordinance makes it illegal for pedestrians to stop at Las Vegas strip bridges

Las Vegas - In a recent decision by Clark County commissioners, a new ordinance has been passed, forbidding individuals from stopping on pedestrian bridges along the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The measure, designed to enhance safety and combat crime, has stirred debate among supporters and opponents.

The ordinance explicitly bars stopping, standing, or congregating on the pedestrian bridges and extends up to 20 feet where the bridges connect to street-level sidewalks. Violators could face misdemeanor charges, potentially resulting in a six-month jail term or a $1,000 fine. Signage will be prominently displayed to inform the public of the new regulations.

The decision was influenced by a report from William Sousa, a UNLV criminal justice professor, and director of the university’s Center for Crime and Justice Policy. Sousa’s findings revealed that disorderly conduct calls on the Strip were significantly concentrated on pedestrian bridges, constituting 11 percent of disorderly offense calls from 2018 to 2022.

Street performers, however, have been granted leeway, permitted to conduct business on the sidewalks at street level or while moving on the bridges. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Undersheriff Andrew Walsh emphasized the challenges officers face when pedestrian bridges become congested, hindering their ability to maintain visibility and control.

Advocates believe that mandating pedestrians to keep moving will reduce crime and disorder on the bridges, contributing to improved public safety. Walsh expressed concerns about crowd crush during large events on Las Vegas Boulevard, asserting that predictability is key to prevention.

Officers will inform pedestrians about the new law and request compliance. Refusal to obey may lead to citations or arrests. Critics, including Eve Hanan, a UNLV law professor, argue that the ordinance criminalizes harmless actions, emphasizing the importance of crowd control and urban planning over punitive measures. The concern raised is that the discretionary powers of officers may result in selective prosecution, making it challenging for individuals to gauge compliance with the law.