South Hill council adopts low-speed vehicle ordinance, defers golf-cart code changes amid safety and enforcement concerns

Town Manager Keli Reekes opened a public hearing on proposed Town Code amendments concerning golf carts and low-speed vehicles at South Hill’s March 9 meeting. Public commenters and councilors raised safety, enforcement and equity concerns before councilors took separate actions on the two vehicle categories.

Resident Perry Templin told council the proposal could add enforcement burdens for law enforcement and potentially invite discrimination lawsuits; Wade Crowder and Paul Duffer warned the changes could favor wealthier residents and pose safety risks for children. Chief of Police Ryan Durham said the Police Department would enforce any regulations Council adopts.

After discussion of similar restrictions for both vehicle types, approved thoroughfares and crossing locations, Councilor Jenifer Freeman-Hite moved to defer action on proposed golf-cart amendments; Councilor Randy Crocker seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Council then considered a separate ordinance for low-speed vehicles (LSVs). Councilor Freeman-Hite moved to adopt the LSV ordinance; the motion was amended (seconded by Councilor Carl Sasser) to prohibit LSVs from crossing roadways with speed limits above 25 mph and further amended to forbid crossings of Highways 1, 47 and 58. The amended ordinance carried unanimously. The Police Department will be responsible for enforcement and staff will publish the updated code language and identify approved thoroughfares and crossings for public guidance.

Council’s actions split the two vehicle issues: LSV operation on named thoroughfares and crossings is now regulated by ordinance with explicit crossing limits, while proposed golf-cart amendments were set aside for additional review.