The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, May 8, 2002

PTC committee eyes 15-year-old golf cart drivers

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

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.