Huntingburg council may allow golf carts on streets

The Huntingburg Common Council talked about the idea during its Tuesday night meeting. But before anything is decided, council members would like to hear residents' opinions on the concept.

A new state law enacted in July allows municipalities to enact an ordinance to allow golf carts to use roadways. Without an ordinance, state law prohibits the carts from being used on roads.

Mayor Marvin Belcher passed out information on what could be included in a city ordinance and asked council members to discuss the idea with their constituents.

"I have some concerns, although I'd like to have this," Belcher said. "There are a lot of things we need to think about."

Such an ordinance would allow carts on city streets only. The council could allow them to cross state highways while traveling on the streets, City Attorney Phil Schneider said.

The driver must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Slow-moving vehicle emblems, flashing lights and other kinds of safety equipment would be mandated for the cart. Annual cart inspections would be required and a permit fee could be enacted. The cart would also have to comply with traffic laws.

Councilman Ken Sparrow said that if the council decides to draft an ordinance, it should require the carts to operate during daylight hours only, restrict them from crossing streets at alleys and not allow them to carry passengers who would have to use child restraints in regular vehicles.

Belcher said he has heard from people interested in the city enacting an ordinance.

If an ordinance were passed, "I don't think we'll be inundated with golf carts in the city," Sparrow said.

"I don't, either," Councilman Marvin Boeglin said.

Councilwoman Jean Majors said she is concerned about having the carts on the road, especially on a busy street like Fourth Street.

"There is parking on both sides," she said. "(Carts) would slow down the traffic."