Do Golf Carts Belong in Tarpon?

Since the recent concept of golf carts as means of transportation reached the board of commissioners, the Tarpon Springs Police Department has been asked to perform a study on a number of related issues.

The study will include information ranging from statistics in other communities that allow golf carts on city roads to safety concerns.

According to Captain Jeffrey Young of the Tarpon Springs Police Department, the main purpose of gathering data is to ensure the most educated ruling by the city. The department is studying other communities, like The Villages and Dunedin, where golf carts are allowed to be driven on town roads, as well as the guidelines drivers must follow.

Young said that it is important for the public to understand the difference between a low speed vehicle and a golf cart. From the exterior, they look almost identical, but Young said that there are major differences between the two:

• Low speed vehicles are already authorized to be driven on city roads because they are registered and must meet a number of safety requirements, like having seat belts and moving at a moderate rate of speed. Golf carts move at a slower rate of speed and lack simple safety features.

"It's a lengthy process to do the research," explained Young. “One of the big factors that keeps jumping out is the safety of golf carts on public roadways,”

City Manager Mark LeCouris, believes the roads in Tarpon Springs would breed danger for drivers. With 30 years of experience in public safety, LeCouris said the levels of traffic and speed in Tarpon Springs do not agree with that of a golf-cart-sporting community.

LeCouris acknowledged the benefits that golf carts could bring to the area, like being environmentally friendly. However, he does not seem to think that the number of residents using golf carts would create much of a difference, in any sense.

“When you get to the point of golf carts and how many people are going to have them, it isn’t going to be a lot” said LeCouris. “I mean, are we even going to get 50 (registered golf cart drivers) if we do this?”

The findings from the current study will be presented to the Tarpon Springs City Commission later this year. LeCouris said that the presentation should take place in late October or early November.

Do you think golf carts have a place in Tarpon Springs? Cast your vote in the poll and voice your opinion in the comment section, below.