WASHINGTON, Ill. (25 News) – It looks like voters in Washington will have a say whether to allow people to drive golf carts on city streets.
Washington’s City Council has been unable to find a consensus on the issue and even the city’s fire and emergency medical services chiefs have different opinions, according to a staff report.
At Monday’s committee-of-the-whole meeting, all but one council member was in favor of a non-binding referendum that will be placed on the March 17 primary ballot. Council directed city staff to draft a proposed referendum for action at an upcoming meeting.
Ward 3 Councilman Brendan Moss was the only one opposed to a referendum.
“This doesn’t rise to the level of things that we need to put on a ballot,” Moss said.
25 News reports that the fire chief had safety concerns. The EMS chief was more open to the idea, noting accidents are inevitable, but golf carts might pose less risk than e-scooters and e-bikes.
Those in favor of a referendum noted the city could still ban golf cart driving on busy routes like Rt. 24, limit use to streets with speed limits under 30 mph, only allow golf cart use during the day, and require annual permits.
Washington officials note that communities like Morton and Macomb do not allow golf cart use. They are allowed in Dixon and Mount Vernon.
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