Streets Department Clowns Around In Center City
By Jim Melwert
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- For the second-straight April-Fools-Day, the Streets Department was outside City Hall is trying to use humor to raise awareness of safety issues.
Last April 1st they hosted texting lane for pedestrians.
Rina Cutler is the Deputy mayor of transportation and utilities.
"We've got clowns and mimes out here to remind people," she says, "to remind people that we all need to be safe, that pedestrians need to lift their heads up off their cell phones and cars should stop at the red lights. Sometimes they think it's just a suggestion."
The clowns scolded drivers and pedestrians who ignored the traffic laws.
They also handed out informational cards.
Russell from Glenside says good idea at a dangerous intersection, but he adds he's concerned for the clowns.
He says, "the fact they're out here trying to raise awareness is actually a good thing. I'm glad to see them, I just hoping that they're careful that people don't make them a hood ornament."