WASHINGTON - City leaders say the sidewalk signs pedestrians encounter while walking along D.C. streets are illegal and must be removed immediately.

The Department of Transportation is making sure businesses are aware and will be handing out strict fines starting this week.

"When you're deciding where to eat and you're on budget, it's in your way so you have to read it," said Sandra Flores, a pedestrian.

"I think it's a little ridiculous actually. [It] doesn't make too much sense. I don't really see the purpose in that. It's good for business, it's good for the patrons," said Haile Simms, a D.C. resident.

Still, city officials claim the boards are a hazard for pedestrians.

The Davis' frequently walk the narrow sidewalks of 18th Street in Northwest. They call the signs yet another obstacle they have to deal with on a daily basis.

"With all the trees and the tree planters and the people... with a stroller you've got to swerve in and out anyway," said Carter Davis, a pedestrian.

Perry's in Adams Morgan recently started serving weekend lunch. The manager there says the signs are a helpful tool during tough economic times.

"We started off very few people coming in and it's gotten busier every week," said Devin Sparks of Perry's.

City activist Terry Lunch questions the timing. "A lot of our small businesses, independent businesses like this are finding that their revenues are down 25 to 40 percent or more. They're struggling to survive," said Lynch.

Adams Morgan resident Cynthia Torruello doesn't think they're in the way, but doesn't like them for a different reason. "In some way, it's an eyesore," she said.

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