The city of Clarkesville was loaned golf carts by an individual for transportation during the Mountain Laurel Festival. City Manager Keith Dickerson reported that the individual inquired about renting golf carts to residents in town. That sparked a discussion about the possibility during the city council’s work session on July 7.
Dickerson suggested that golf carts should not be allowed to be rented in the city, citing concerns involving accident liability and traffic violations. “[During the Mountain Laurel Festival,] They were driving up and down Washington Street even after we explained to them that they couldn’t drive there,” Dickerson said.
“You go to the beach and see people renting carts for a weekend and take off,” said Mayor Pro Tem Franklin Brown. “I don’t wanna see that.”
Councilman Don Nix said he thought golf carts could be used for limited transportation purposes, namely for shuttling event patrons from distant parking lots to the square. “I don’t think we should be renting them to individuals, but I think there’s a benefit to having a service like that,” he said.
The council agreed that if golf carts were to be permitted for city or rental use, the individual’s carts would need to comply with the city’s safety standards. This would include having proper headlights, brake lights and other safety features.
“We’re happy to have him furnish them, but they’ve got to meet our standards,” Mayor Barrie Aycock said.
Franklin said he would meet with the individual the day after the meeting to find out more about his ideas for the golf carts.
In April 2022, the Clarkesville City Council passed an ordinance allowing specially-equipped golf carts to be driven on city streets.
