For about an hour each day for six years, Mike has been standing, cup in hand, to panhandle. And he's a regular face at the eastbound Highway 417 off-ramp onto Rochester Street, where he greets motorists as they pass.

"I've gotten to know quite a few people by name, and they know my name," he says, adding that his tactic is to say hello and wish people a good day instead of asking for money outright.

He says he's never had a close call with a driver while panhandling, and that the only danger he's faced was crossing the street at Bronson Avenue one day when a driver who was turning didn't see him.

Ontario Provincial Police, meanwhile, say begging on off-ramps is a danger to both panhandlers and drivers.

"Panhandlers are coming on the roadway to accept donations from motorists and we just want to take that proactive stance to try and eliminate any collisions or any pedestrians getting hit," says Const. Rheal Levac.

OPP Sgt Carlo Maragno: there's a better way to help the disadvantaged: donate to social service agencies. <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOttawa">@CBCOttawa</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lx7lzwi0x9">pic.twitter.com/Lx7lzwi0x9</a> —@HallieCBC

OPP say panhandling at highway off-ramps like this one at Parkdale Avenue is dangerous for drivers and the panhandlers themselves. (CBC)

OPP put up warning signs

As part of a year-long pilot project, OPP are installing signs at four Queensway off-ramps: Rochester Street, Parkdale Avenue, Bronson Avenue and St. Laurent Boulevard.

The signs tell motorists panhandling is not permitted.

OPP encourage people who are feeling generous to make donations to local homeless shelters instead.

But Mike, who prefers that his last name not be used, says that despite the new signs, the numerous fines and even some jail time he's faced in the past, he has no intention of stopping.

"I don't really understand why it would be any riskier than standing on the sidewalk. ... I can see if you go out into the street ... that would definitely be considered dangerous. But I can't see that what I'm doing is bad," he says.

"And a lot of the people are church-going people, and they don't see it either. If they thought that there was something evil about it or wrong about it, I don't think they'd participate as actively as they do. In my heart, I don't feel like I'm doing anything wrong, and that's why I think that the law is wrong, basically. And that's my way of showing it, by not obeying."

Mike has been panhandling for about six years, and he's a regular face at the eastbound Queensway off-ramp onto Rochester Street. (Steve Fischer)