Cardwell may let carts, ATVs onto streets

CARDWELL, Mo. -- This Bootheel city is considering measures to help residents deal with high gas prices.

During its last city council meeting, officials mentioned the idea of allowing four-wheelers and golf carts as transportation for those who can legally drive.

City clerk Mary Vaughn said the council has discussed the idea with the local police officers, who said they see no problem as long as drivers abide by the same rules and laws as everyone else.

"The driver will have to wear a helmet," police chief Anthony Parker said. "There can't be any double riding, either."

Parker said that in order for the four-wheel ATVs and golf carts to be legal within the city limits, the driver must be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver's license, have insurance and purchase a city sticker for the device.

"That's a way for us to keep track of who is authorized to legally drive the four-wheeler or golf cart," Parker said, "as well as give the citizens of Cardwell a break from the steep gas prices."

In doing that, Cardwell will also benefit from the sale of additional city stickers.

"It's a win-win for everybody," Vaughn said, "as long as everybody respects the laws and other drivers."

Several other cities in the area have discussed giving residents these options.

Senath allows golf carts to be driven by licensed drivers who are either elderly or handicapped.

Hornersville agreed to allow four-wheelers as long as they were not driven down Hornersville's main street and were being operated by licensed drivers.