I understand that the town is considering a pilot project to allow ATV’s access to town streets.
These streets include Howland Drive, near the hotels and the entrance to Commerce Park, containing Walmart and the Independent Grocery store, as well as down Center Street North to Earl’s Rd and across Highway 60, along Hanes Road, up Golf Course Road and past Williamsport Road.
While the route itself seems more or less reasonable, I have some questions concerning the safety of allowing ATV’s on municipal roads.
It seems to me that otherwise responsible persons leave their brains at home as soon as the word “recreational” is put in front of the word “vehicle.”
Rules of the road may be the last thing on their minds when travelling along municipal roads, jockeying with other vehicles.
Who would be driving these ATVs?
Will they need a driver’s licence to drive on municipal roads? Will they need insurance? By giving permission, will the town be held financially responsible for any fatalities?
How much might it cost to police the area?
Will there be a minimum age to drive?
There will be a public meeting on Tues. June 5th at 1 p.m. at the council chambers.
I hope these questions will be addressed.
Marilyn Laycock
Huntsville