Nearly two dozen signs designed to decrease panhandling and distracted driving recently popped up at busy intersections in Richmond.

“Please do not give money to persons in the median,” reads signs about giving money to panhandlers.

A spokesperson from the City’s Communications Office said the signs are part of “a national best practice because walking in the street, between cars, or close to moving traffic is unsafe.”

The spokesperson added, “As with any initiative, the city will evaluate efficacy over time which will help determine when and where to expand the messaging.”

In Dallas-Fort Worth, signs that were part of an anti-panhandling pilot program were deemed ineffective due to enforcement issues and everyone, both panhandlers and others, ignoring the message.

First Amendment rights or free speech is another issue for localities to consider when erecting signs about panhandling.

“Panhandling is a form of solicitation or begging derived from the impression created by someone holding out his hand to beg or using a container to collect money. When municipalities regulate panhandling — a form of speech — First Amendment rights become an issue,” according to the Free Speech Center.

“Supporters of panhandling regulation contend it is a safety measure designed to protect people from harassment and other crimes. Opponents of such regulation contend it is blatant sup- pression of the First Amendment rights of the poor and dispossessed.”

Representatives of nonprofit organizations who work with individuals facing financial or housing insecurity recommend that people who want to help make donations to or volunteer to work with reputable charities.

Or, as the City of Richmond’s new signs specifically state: “Those who need assistance Call 3-1-1. The City of Richmond Can Help.”