The Ministry of Transportation is considering a new pilot project to study the use of golf carts on roads, and Huron-Kinloss is one of the areas invited to take part.
A release from the Township of Huron-Kinloss explains the proposed pilot will test the safe integration of golf carts on Ontario’s public roads. It would allow the MTO to assess if golf carts can safely integrate with other vehicles, and if existing rules of the road are adequate or if additional licencing and operating requirements may be needed to allow them on roads permanently.
The MTO program outline explains the length of the pilot would be 10 years. Golf cart operators on the road would require a driver’s licence, but wouldn’t need auto insurance.
The proposed pilot comes as the Township of Pelee Island had requested to allow the use golf carts on roads for several years as a transportation alternative, due to a lack of options there. Huron-Kinloss also asked the MTO to allow the use of golf carts in small towns in the municipality, which do not have many transportation options.
“This could improve accessibility and mobility in the municipality. MTO recognizes the importance of new or existing vehicle technology, especially if it expands mobility options for Ontarians; however, safety remains a top priority,” a Ministry of Transportation summary of the proposal explains. “The safe integration of new or existing vehicle types with pedestrians and other vehicles is a key consideration before any vehicle type will be allowed on-road.”
Public feedback is being sought by the MTO until April 7 on the proposal to permit the use on golf carts on the road in Huron-Kinloss as part of the pilot project.