BARRHEAD – The new Golf Cart Bylaw signage in Lac La Nonne is causing some concern for residents.
“They put the signage in the wrong spots because now we can't go to the store with our golf carts and get our mail according to the signage,” said area resident Claudette MacLean.
MacLean read through the new bylaw and is concerned about the $150 fine if golf carts are driven outside of the designated areas permitted with the bylaw.
The provincial government implemented the new Golf Cart pilot project guidelines and determined the placement of the new signage.
The county did not have anything to regulate what was happening prior to the new Golf Cart Pilot Project other than it was illegal to operate a golf cart on public roads.
“We're not allowed to permit golf cart use of provincial highways,” said County CPO Shae Guy.
“We can't have the golf carts going through that intersection.”
Guy said that the store driveway is private property, and they cannot put signage on a private driveway.
There have been problems with quads and side-by-sides at that intersection, and the County is trying to limit issues in that area.
If the County is notified of problems and having lots of complaints of people driving golf carts into that driveway, then they will have to deal with it according to Guy.
The focus is going to be education and providing people with the right information.
Guy said that the objective of the County is safety first and to get residents registered with permits.
Riders must be of age, have a driver’s license, and have a permit to use their golf carts on public roads.
Golf Cart drivers cannot be impaired when operating a golf cart.
If residents have questions about the permit system or where they can and can't drive, they should contact the County office.
The County needs to follow the provincial requirements have been given to them to make sure that the system that has been put in place is followed.
The program’s focus is to get golf cart drivers registered with permits and understand the requirements.
MacLean’s concern is that residents have used their golf carts to drive to the store and pick up their mail for years without concern.
She recognizes that Highway 651 runs right by the store and safety is a concern.
Golf carts are not allowed on highways or public roadways unless they are covered under the new bylaw.
MacLean commented that even the signage at the Elks beach should be on the south side and not the north side.
County CPO Guy said that all residents’ comments and feedback are welcome and can be given to the County when acquiring the required permit.
Debbie Oyarzun, Barrhead County Manager, was contacted in this matter.
“By supporting the provincial pilot, the County’s intent was to increase accessibility while following provincial legislation,” said Oyarzun.
“We will evaluate how the program works in the County and go from there.”
More information is available on the County website at www.countybarrhead.ab.ca/p/golf-cart-pilot-project
