Litchfield Park is reminding residents about golf cart safety as the city continues refining how the popular vehicles fit into its transportation network.
Golf carts are a common sight in the 3.3-square-mile city, where four golf courses sit within city limits and others border nearby neighborhoods. Many residents use carts for errands, school drop-offs and community events.
“We’re a golf cart community,” said Councilmember Justin James.
Under city rules, carts are allowed on residential streets with posted speed limits under 35 mph. They may use pathways and sidewalks only to connect to these routes or cross higher-speed roads at designated crosswalks or underpasses. Drivers must have a valid license, yield to pedestrians and cyclists, keep speeds on pathways below 25 mph, remain seated and not exceed the cart’s factory seating capacity.
Carts may not travel on streets posted 35 mph or higher, including Camelback and Litchfield roads, though they may cross them if no other legal route is available. Violations can lead to fines up to $250 or citations under Arizona law.
The reminder comes a year after the City Council, on a 4-3 vote, approved restrictions on Camelback, Litchfield and Dysart roads.
Supporters of the change said it was a proactive move to prevent future accidents.
Opposing the ordinance, some council members said the city acted too quickly without hard evidence of danger and argued the measure went too far without data showing significant accidents or traffic problems.
“We’re anticipating more complicated traffic patterns with our roundabouts (and the development of Litchfield Square)” said Councilmember Lisa Brainard Watson. “There’s no negative. We’re not saying they can’t make it from A to B, we’re just saying to take the safer route.”
In the discussion council discussed the balance of convenience and concern.
“Let’s keep our community safe and enjoyable for everyone — whether you’re walking, biking, driving, or riding in a golf cart,” the city said in its announcement.
City officials said they plan to develop a more extensive path system to further improve safe golf cart travel, including better connections between neighborhoods, golf courses and community areas.
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