If 15-year-olds with learner's

permits are eventually allowed to drive golf carts on their own in Peachtree

City, they may have to register with the city.

A committee studying the issue

and other golf cart regulations is suggesting that such drivers register

with the city so their parents can "give permission" by signing

a form. Currently, the privilege of driving a cart without supervision

is limited to youths 16 and older.

The committee, which met Thursday

before the City Council meeting, also discussed several proposals about

whom is allowed to supervise golf cart drivers between 12 and 15 years

old.

Currently, only parents or

legal guardians can do so, but there has been a push to allow grandparents

the same courtesy. The committee agreed by consensus to recommend that

change, but other options were discussed, including:

Eliminating the requirement

for the supervising adult to have a valid driver's license; and

Allowing anyone 18 years or

older to supervise golf cart drivers between 12 and 15 years old.

Councilman Steve Rapson, who

chairs the citizen committee, said it would be tough to get council approval

on the last two changes.

Rapson also brought up a proposal

that would require golf carts and bicycles to be equipped with a horn

to warn pedestrians of their presence. But that idea fell flat when several

committee members noted the devices might startle pedestrians when a voice

warning is often adequate.

The committee briefly discussed

another requirement which would restrict children from sitting on the

driver's lap and steering golf carts. But it was pointed out that sometimes

children must be held by parents because they are too fidgety and can't

stay seated in the cart.

No consensus on the matter

was reached although the topic will likely be discussed again at the committee's

next meeting June 6 at 6 p.m. The committee meets in the Floy Farr room

downstairs at the Peachtree City Library.

Back

to News Home Page |