Petition Launched For Golf Cart Use On Roads In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two Fairfield Representative Town Meeting members have launched an online petition to allow golf carts on roads in the beach area of town. Brian Farnen and Mark McDermott created the petition on change.org with the hope of beginning to work with First Selectman Mike Tetreau and Fairfield Police Chief Chief MacNamara to create a golf cart program “for the Fairfield Beach, making our wonderful beach community even better.”

According to the post at change.org, the Connecticut General Assembly in July 2009 passed legislation authorizing towns in the state to allow golf carts on roads, with certain restrictions. Under the legislation, local traffic authorities are allowed to set regulations for golf carts on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or lower, and the carts cannot be driven at night, and operators must have a driver's license.

“Many beach communities have embraced this unique opportunity — a staple in communities down south — and worked with their local police departments to create a golf cart program,” the post reads. “If you’ve ever been to the Indian Town or Cornfield Point communities of Old Saybrook, Connecticut or Pine Orchard in Branford, Connecticut you will see successful programs in action. Ask the residents there, golf carts are an integral part of their communities given their many benefits.”

Some of the benefits listed in the petition include:

• Reducing traffic and creating a proven calming effect on speeding in our neighborhoods, which poses danger to our children who often play in the street due to having small yards.
• Reduces motor vehicle emissions supporting cleaner air in the community.
• Cuts-down on annual fuel costs, improving the environment since golf carts are electric powered.
• Creates community, as regular drives will create connection across the entire beach area.
• Provides easier access to many of town beaches and marina, without driving. (Read the full list here)

The Connecticut Post reports the Fairfield Police Commission considered the issue last year and rejected golf cart use in town. Police officials told the Post they have met with Farnen and several other RTM members about the latest proposal.

The petition posted at change.org also lists a draft ordinance they say is subject to further revisions based on neighborhood and Police Commission feedback. As of Friday morning, 287 people have signed the petition with a goal of 500 signatures.

Read the full petition at change.org here.

Read the full story at the Connecticut Post here.

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