Abita Springs is once again considering allowing residents to use golf carts on local streets.
Abita Springs is once again considering allowing residents to use golf carts on local streets. electric golf carts for the road
The government of Abita Springs is once again on a path to legalize the use of golf carts on town streets.
At its June 18 meeting, the Town Council unveiled a draft of an ordinance designed to allow golf carts to operate safely on town streets by establishing regulations for their use.
A state law prohibits the operation of golf carts on public roads and streets unless the local governing authority establishes laws to allow and regulate them.
As in many communities around the country, Abita Springs is faced with the reality that golf carts have puttered their way from the course to local streets. Last year, the council discussed a proposal to legalize golf carts on town streets. However, the plan stalled amid concerns about using carts to cross state highways that bisect Abita Springs.
After researching the matter, Alderman Pat Patterson said the town could follow other communities whose regulations simply advise cart drivers to avoid state highways.
“Basically, what it comes down to (is) when crossing state highways, we suggest that you don’t do it, but we can’t stop you if you do,” he said. “If you do, you travel at your own risk.”
The proposed ordinance outlines conditions that must be met to operate a golf cart on town streets. They include a requirement that the person operating the cart must have a valid driver’s license and liability insurance. The golf cart also must be registered with the state Office of Motor Vehicles and cannot be used on streets between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.
The ordinance is expected to be discussed and possibly acted upon at one of the two council meetings in July. In the meantime, Patterson said he would welcome suggestions on amendments to the draft ordinance.
During the meeting, the council also unanimously approved a resolution appointing Dr. Alissa Whitney as an Abita Springs Historic Board commissioner. Whitney is a veterinarian who has resided in Abita Springs since 2006.
The council also heard a presentation from Chris Hnatyshyn of Kyle and Associates on the improvements to Level Street/Burvant Street corridor.
The project involves overlaying Level Street from the traffic circle in Abita Springs to near the intersection of Burvant Street and Flot Road, about two miles east of the circle. Level Street becomes Burvant Street about midway between the two points. It includes drainage improvements and the addition of sidewalks, speed tables and rain gardens.
Construction was set to begin June 24 and the project is expected to take about 190 days to complete.
Email Kim Chatelain at kchatelaintp@gmail.com.
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