Beverly Hills residents are increasingly worried about the safety risks posed by “palm tree tourists” who stop in the middle of streets to take selfies with the city’s iconic palm tree-lined landscapes. This trend has gained momentum due to social media and influencers, drawing crowds to popular streets like Rodeo Drive, Beverly Drive, and Cañon Drive.
According to ABC7, residents have observed tourists lying down in the street to capture the perfect angle, creating dangerous situations. Jeremiah Cox, a local resident, expressed concern, stating, “It’s definitely taking a risk because I drive through there all the time, and sometimes people are in the middle of the street, and you have to honk.”
Celebrity trainer Ben Bruno, who has lived in the area for a decade, noted the change in behavior, saying, “They would see you coming and they would dart because… they probably didn’t want to get clipped and two, it’s embarrassing. Now there’s just no shame.”
In response to the growing problem, the city has increased police patrols in the area. However, plans to install a photo island were dismissed due to concerns about attracting more crowds. Deputy City Manager Keith Sterling acknowledged the issue, saying, “We’re concerned about it, and we’re going to continue to do what we can to educate folks when they come here about the safety that they need to keep in mind.”
Residents hope that stricter enforcement, such as issuing citations for photographing in the street, will help mitigate the risks associated with this trend.
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