Pittsburgh Police Begin South Side Safety Push

PITTSBURGH, PA — With coronavirus mitigation mandates mostly lifted, the city's South Side has returned to its bustling pre-pandemic self. Many people have resumed patronizing the neighborhood's large number of bars and restaurants on most evenings and weekends.

While that's good for business owners, it's becoming increasingly bad along East Carson Street. Pittsburgh public safety officials say sidewalks are frequently nearly impassible, pedestrians often wander into the streets and parked vehicles block safety lanes.

There also have been fights, pedestrians struck by vehicles and incidents of gun violence.

So beginning Friday, city police will first issue warnings and then citations to anyone obstructing public thoroughfares. If violators fail to comply, the could be arrested and receive citations carrying penalties of as much as $300 plus court costs.

Additionally, police motorcycle and bicycle units will also be in place to enforce parking. All vehicles in violation of the posted measures will be towed.

“While we are glad that Pittsburgh is returning to some semblance of normalcy since the height of the pandemic, the situation on the South Side has become dangerous and untenable,” Public Safety Director Wendell Hissirch said.

“First responder vehicles must have access to East Carson in case of an emergency and overcrowded sidewalks pose hazards to pedestrians who then spill onto the streets and into vehicle traffic. Without changes, someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed."