OFA provides comments to the Ministry of Transportation’s proposal on the Golf Cart Pilot Framework regarding road safety. OFA feels is it important to iterate comments submitted to the Ministry of Transportation on December 18, 2020. OFA recommends driver qualifications include G2/M2 driver’s license, to be consistent with other licensing required for on-road use of off-road vehicles and to ensure operators have a rudimentary knowledge of the proper rules for safe driving. Within the proposed framework, we note the operating requirement that a maximum speed will not be more than 50km/h although the standing operating requirement cannot exceed 32 km/h. OFA recommends the Ministry clarify for the golf cart proposal whether 32 km/h is the governed maximum speed the cart will be allowed to travel. OFA believes that regarding Insurance Requirements, insurance and registration should be mandatory; having no insurance exposes persons involved in accidents with these vehicles to unnecessary costs, and a lack of access to statutory accident benefits. Regarding vehicle safety, OFA recommends the Ministry review the consistency of safety features listed for golf carts including, daytime running lights, turn signals, brake lights and seatbelts, to ensure any golf cart reaches a minimum safety standard. OFA encourages the MTO to pursue an on-road pilot for multi-purpose off-highway utility vehicles as they include many of the safety features considered in the framework of the pilot proposal on Pelee Island.
Submissions & Correspondence
OFA submission regarding the proposed golf cart pilot framework
Updated: April 9, 2021