Police can now begin enforcing a new Duval County ordinance designed to stop panhandling in medians, along sidewalks and in public rights of way along roadways.

The City Council approved the ordinance last month but established a 30-day grace period for pedestrians and drivers, both of whom now face fines and even arrest if they violate the law because the grace period has just ended.

While the law was designed to stop pedestrians from slowing traffic, walking in and out of cars and creating dangerous road conditions, drivers are also on the hook if they pass money or anything else to a pedestrian while they idle in the roadway.

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