New signs placed at dozens of Wilmington intersection medians

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New signs have been placed at dozens of intersections in Wilmington.

The signs say “No Stopping or Standing on Median.”

Some of the intersections where the signs have been placed include Birchwood Drive and Kerr Avenue, as well as Market Street and New Centre Drive.

Streets operated by both the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the City of Wilmington now display the signs. A list of the streets with signs can be found here: DOC110823-11082023113144.

Lieutenant Greg Willett is a spokesman for the Wilmington Police Department. He said the signs are meant to protect anyone who’s in the median and not just to prevent panhandlers.

“This applies to anybody that’s in the medians, regardless of if they’re panhandling or they’re sitting, they’re doing whatever,” Willett said. “The purpose from a law enforcement standpoint is public safety. That’s our priority. We have determined, along with the DOT, within the law, what can be enforced.”

According to WPD records, 46 vehicle incidents involving pedestrians have occurred since the start of 20-23.

Willett said the signs are only for standing in the median and do not prevent anyone from standing on the street’s shoulder.

Anyone standing in a median with a sign will receive an initial warning, but subsequent violations can result in citations or an arrest.