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Golf carts not legal on town streets - yet

03 July 2008– By William Holloman, staff writer

The Town of Mount Olive is among 14 municipalities across the state reviewing possibilities of allowing the use of golf carts on town streets.

Mount Olive Commissioners unanimously approved the idea, an action that was required because special state legislation is required before local implementation of golf cart use is allowed.

Since the legislature was in a “short” session commissioners approved the idea.

Legislation introduced last week by State Representative Louis Pate. Of Mount Olive clears the way for town commissioners to move forward with the idea if they desire.

Town manager Charles Brown said there have been some citizen requests, particularly with the mayor and town attorney.

Brown said at this point it is merely something that could be reviewed.
He said it would not surprise him to see further action by town commissioners.

“It is a viable option for citizens as a way to save gas in doing a lot of local errands,” Brown said.

If the idea does go further, Brown said the town attorney would have to draw up the details for enforcement.

Users, he said, would have to have a valid operator’s license, and the carts would have to meet state inspections.

There are some streets in town the carts would not be allowed on, such as Breazeale Avenue, and Main Street, both which are state streets.

“If commissioners decide this is something they want to pursue, having our name on this list allows us to do it. The first thing we would have to do is sit down and draw up the standards for operating them,” said Brown.

He said at this time he has no idea what the details would involve, but probably it would have an age limit and insurance requirement.

Asked if he recommends it, Brown responded in saying, “I would like to do a little more research. I would like to find out how it is working for other towns.”

He added, “With gas prices the way they are I think it would be an asset to the citizens of Mount Olive to go places without having to crank up the car.”

Brown said police are trying to be as diplomatic as possible at this point.
He said they are not writing tickets yet, but are reminding citizens that “technically” they are not supposed to be operating golf carts on town streets “yet.”

The town manager did say the inquiries at this point have all been positive and have been from residents “who are very interested in moving forward.”

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