(PCM) There has been a ton of public outcry via social media and the internet from those that feel new measures to so-called eradicate the homeless population from sleeping on benches and sidewalks by installing metal spikes in the ground is inhumane.
The implementation of the spike was brought into the spotlight when the community notices that an apartment complex in a wealthy London neighborhood had recently had them installed in the sidewalk alcoves next to their buildings. The spike are very similar to those that are used by building managers to deter pigeons from roosting in certain areas. While the apartment complex is not officially claiming that the spikes, which are not sharp, but would make it impossible/uncomfortable to lay on are not to drive out the homeless population, others feel that was exactly the goal.
Residents of the apartment building claim that they had seen a few homeless people sleeping the very same place the spikes were installed only a few weeks prior. It seems that the spikes are also popping up in other areas of the city as well, such as along wide-window sills and along sidewalks.
Other cities have been quietly implementing their own tactics for dealing with the homeless population as well such as installing benches which are slanted or include arm rests and concrete spikes were installed under a bridge in China to keep the homeless from resting there.
There is already a petition circulating on Change.org to have the metal spikes removed, however a spokesperson for the London city administrators office claims that unless the spike violate building regulations there is very little that the office can do to eliminate the issue.
Many feel that having the spike installed is akin to treating the homeless population like animals or some sort of vermin, while others see it as a safety precaution.
We want to hear from you! Do you think the installation of sidewalk spikes to deter homeless people from sleeping in certain areas is inhumane?
