By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS — The Landis town board wants input at its next meeting from residents who are in favor of or opposed to a proposed low-speed vehicle ordinance. The ordinance would be similar to one passed in China Grove last summer, with a few changes.
The board called for a public hearing at its April meeting.
The ordinance would mean vehicles like golf carts would not be allowed to exceed 28 miles per hour on certain roads and public streets.
The board discussed during Tuesday’s meeting what elements they would keep of the China Grove ordinance and what changes they would make.
Owners must buy and maintain liability insurance in at least the minimum amount required by the state. The operator of the vehicle must be at least 16 and have a valid state driver’s license. All vehicles must have a permit of operation issued by the town.
China Grove established an annual sticker fee to not exceed $50.
Alderman Tony Hilton said he didn’t think Landis would charge $50, probably somewhere around $10.
“I looked at China Grove, it’s a good ordinance,” Hilton said.
He didn’t think there would be a flood of people who would seek permission from the town to ride their low-speed vehicles on town roads.
“I talked to China Grove and they had six (permit applications) in the last year,” he said.
Hilton said he also didn’t see a need to require people to have vehicle insurance. He would also place a provision in the ordinance that would allow China Grove residents to ride into Landis on their low-speed vehicles.
Alderman James Furr said his only concern was a liability issue. He recommended a closer look at other towns who have long-established low-speed vehicle ordinances.
The board agreed to have Town Attorney Rick Locklear review the changes and present them at the April meeting.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.