Ind. city moves to ban roadway money collections

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — A southern Indiana city has taken its first step toward banning charities from collecting money from motorists at intersections.

The New Albany City Council voted 5-3 Monday to ban collections on the city's roads. The council is expected to take third and final votes on the proposal Feb. 21.

Public works board member Warren Nash says 18 groups last year received permission from the board to conduct roadside collections. Nash says that while fundraising for disabled children, band uniforms and other causes is laudable, public safety should come first.

The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., reports that the proposal ordinance could carry $100 fines for first offenders.

Three council members who voted against the ordinance had pushed for alternatives that would allow charitable groups to keep raising money.