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Transportation commission discusses low speed vehicles
By Chris Roark, Staff Writer
Gas prices are expected by many to rise again in the near future.
In preparation, a former member of the Flower Mound Transportation Commission is encouraging the town to look at specific regulations for low speed vehicles (LSV) in Flower Mound should the use of them spike.
The National Transportation Safety Administration (NTSA) defines LSVs as four-wheeled power vehicles with maximum speeds between 20-25 mph.
“If gas goes back up to $4 a gallon, we’ll need an alternative, and there might be a demand for them,” Webb said. “One advantage I see for these is for dropping off and picking up children at school. Especially elementary schools. They’re in neighborhoods with low speed limit streets.”
He said LSVs would be beneficial during times of high gas prices since they are electric cars.
However, preparation for a rise in usage should be considered, he said. Awareness is one thing that should be planned for, he added.
“If these become more prevalent, people need to be aware of them,” Webb said. “People will need to know that they’ll need to share the road and that they’re allowed to be here even if they don’t go as fast as other cars.”
He said another thing to consider is speed limits.
“If you run to the corner store, where is it,” Webb said. “It’s on FM 2499 and FM 1171, both 50 mph roads. I won’t get there in an LSV. I’m not proposing that we change the speed limit on those roads, but it might be worth considering looking at some of the 40 mph roads and modifying them down to 35 mph.”
LSVs have specific requirements: turn signals, reflectors, rearview mirrors, a parking brake, head lamps, stop lamps, seat belts, a windshield and a VIN number.
A slow moving vehicle emblem is also required, and it must be registered and titled in order for it to be on the streets. LSVs that meet the requirements can be driven on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph.
Currently, LSVs are not prohibited in Flower Mound, said assistant town manager Kent Collins. He said golf carts are used in some communities in town, but it’s uncertain how many LSVs are used.
Collins said the benefits of LSVs include easy access, reduced harmful emissions, reduced traffic congestion and are less expensive than regular vehicles. Webb said they range in price from $7,000 to $15,000.
Commissioner Stephen Lyda said public knowledge would be crucial for increased use of LSVs.
“This is definitely a motor vehicle that belongs on the street,” Lyda said. “And how are people going to react when these types of vehicles get on the street? I think there needs to be an education component. But, I think this could be an option for intercommunity transport.”
Other commissioners said police input is important to consider, as well as the likelihood of people driving faster than the posted speed limit.
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