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Last updated on Thursday, March 27, 2014
(BEDFORD) - The Lawrence County Commissioners are looking at possibly allowing golf carts on county roads, after several requests from residents.
Commissioner Bill Spreen says he has received several requests from Fayetteville residents asking the commissioners to pass an ordinance to allow golf carts on county roads.
"Maybe we could institute some kind of method to do that," Spreen added. "I know many have added their golf carts to their insurance policies... but I don't know if we can afford to do this."
Mitchell has an ordinance allowing carts to be driven within its jurisdiction; Bedford has passed no such statute. State highways do not permit golf carts, and Bedford's Fifth Street, 16th Street and Mitchell Road all are considered state thoroughfares.
But County Attorney Dave Smith says before the commissioners make a decision, they should consult with Sheriff Sam Craig to discuss potential ramifications.
Smith says the ordinance works in Mitchell because the speed limits are 30 miles per hour or slower.
"It is well plated and regulated," Smith added. "They have relatively flat streets, unlike the hilly roads and curves. We must assume the worse scenario will happen. If we were to have a grandmother in a golf cart and they hit a hill on Washboard Road for example and there is a vehicle coming at her at 50 mph. Then what? This is an easy question on them (golf cart owners) to decide, but not an easy question for us to decide."
Commissioner Chris May asked Highway Superintendent Dave Holmes to look into what other counties have done about golf carts and commissioners plan to meet with Sheriff Craig and Smith to determine what if anything can be done to address the issue, while protection the county from law suits.
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