In a move targeted at stemming the rising tide of reckless driving in Milwaukee, the Public Safety and Health Committee is set to consider an ordinance on Thursday that would grant authorities the power to impound any vehicle associated with such offenses. The measure is not discriminative; owners of the vehicles need not be the perpetrators for their property to be taken into custody.
The ordinance, identified as Common Council file #251072, is sponsored by Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, who has been a longstanding advocate for stricter measures to curb reckless driving in Milwaukee. Westmoreland has managed to consistently push, despite legal hurdles, to bring about the necessary change. The impending discussion will begin at 9 a.m. in City Hall and interested parties can witness the proceedings live on the City Channel or through the city website's streaming video.
"It’s been a long journey but we are very close to having the ordinance approved," Alderman Westmoreland told City of Milwaukee News. His resolution had earned unanimous backing from the full Council in 2023, and he anticipates a similar reception at the committee meeting. Furthermore, the prospect remains hopeful for when it reaches the full Council for a final vote on November 4.
Recent legislative strides have paved the way for this ordinance. Last week, a new state law, AB 078 / SB 65, received approval after clearing both the Wisconsin Senate & Assembly, allowing the Council's file to move forward.
