§ 21-4. Authority of police and city officials.

(a)

Members of the police department are hereby authorized to direct all traffic in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, or in emergencies as public safety or convenience may require; and it shall be unlawful for any person to fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order, signal or direction of a policeman given in the direction of traffic. Except in case of emergency, it shall be unlawful for any person not authorized by the chief of police to direct or attempt to direct traffic, except as authorized in this section.

(b)

Whenever, from any cause, any bridge, street or alley of the city is obstructed by a congestion of traffic therein, the mayor, any alderman, the chief of police, any policeman or the director of public works may give such directions in regard to the removal of such traffic congestion as in the opinion of such officer may be required by the public convenience.

(Code 1966, § 21.02)