PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti is looking to make roadways safer in the city.

But a committee sent his proposed median safety ordinance back to the city council for review Monday night.

The city's Ordinance and Rules Committee voted four to one to file the "Median Safety and Pedestrian Regulations in Public Roadways" proposal.

The proposal states an individual can't get within five feet of a vehicle with the intent to obstruct or hinder the free and safe passage of pedestrians or motor vehicles.

Marchetti said crash data is higher at five intersections in the city and he's looking at ways to reduce distractions in those areas.

Opponents said his ordinance focused on people panhandling.

"I think if we were going to look to eliminate panhandling, we know it happens more than just in five intersections of the city” said Marchetti. “But there was also a lot of narrative about the fact that the mayor was taking away everyone's first amendment rights. You wouldn't be able to rally in Park Square and do what he needed to do. None of that was ever in question."

Marchetti said he understands the ordinance likely won't be approved and will continue to work on other ways to improve road safety in the city.