Chatham-Kent council will vote next week on whether or not to move ahead with a golf cart pilot program in Erieau.
A report going to council on Monday night shows that administration recommends approval of the pilot program in Erieau.
If council approves the plan, carts would be allowed to drive through the entire community of Erieau on roads only.
Golf carts and other motor vehicles are not allowed in parks outside of park driveways and parking lots.
All roads in the proposed program area would be limited to a speed of 50 km/h to comply with the Highway Traffic Act pilot program regulation, CK Manager of Transportation Jeff Hagan wrote in his report.
Hagan cited the proposed registration fees would be set at $100 to recover program costs and the program would run from April 1 until November 30.
Staff will also review the costs and effort required to administer the program after the first season and if necessary, a revision of fees will be proposed, he noted.
"The Golf Cart Pilot Program can be launched rapidly, with the aim of having 2025 permits issued to applicants before the end of August," wrote Hagan.
He said a municipal webpage and social media channels would eventually have all of the required program information, including how to apply for a permit and rules.
Planned signage for the program can be implemented quickly after approval of the program, said Hagan.
The minimal liability insurance required for a personal golf cart is $2 million, but administration noted individuals who are not homeowners or do not have homeowner’s insurance may encounter barriers to participating in the program.
The golf carts would also require headlights, brake lights, and turn signals under the Highway Traffic Act.
Other specific requirements for golf carts include the following:
Driver and passenger:
o Minimum Class G license
o Passenger must be a minimum of 8 years old
o Maximum number of occupants is 6 people or the number of seating positions, whichever is less
Rules of the road:
o Golf carts are not permitted outside the designated area
o Golf carts must be driven in the right-hand lane or as close as possible to right-hand curb or edge of roadway
o Golf carts must not be operated on roads with a speed limit higher than 50 km/h (all roads in Erieau's designated area have a speed limit of 50 km/h)
o No towing of trailers, other vehicles, or other devices
o No carrying of any combustible fuels
o Seat belts must be used if a golf cart has them
Required vehicle equipment:
o Steering wheel (golf carts with tiller-style steering are not eligible)
o Four wheels and tires (3-wheeled golf carts are not eligible)
o Rear-view mirror
o Slow-moving vehicle sign
o Turn signal lights
o Brake lights
o Daytime running lights
o Headlights (if operated from 30 minutes before dusk to 30 minutes after dawn)
o Reflectors
Fines for operating a golf cart without a permit are $300, operating a golf cart in a manner not permitted are $200, hindering or obstructing are $500, and omitting information or providing a false statement are $400.