Citizens make noise over ATVs, go-karts

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 27, 2007

CHELSEA &8212; A group of residents in Shelby Forrest are seeking a city ordinance to prohibit the use of non-street legal vehicles in their subdivision.

Candice Rutledge came before the council representing about 15 residents of the Chelsea subdivision.

She said vehicles such as dirt bikes, go-karts and four-wheelers are being used illegally in their area.

&8220;It&8217;s proposing a hazard right now to the rider and to the cars that share the street and proposes a destruction to private property and land value,&8221; Rutledge said.

Capt. Chris Corbell, spokesman for the Shelby County Sheriff&8217;s Office, said state law prohibits non-licensed vehicles from traveling on roadways.

If a law enforcement officer sees someone acting in violation of the law, they can issue a citation.

If the problem persists, an individual with a complaint can also talk to the district attorney and have a warrant issued, said Corbell.

Driving along easements however, becomes a more difficult problem. Corbell said traffic offenses do not pertain to easements unless the case involves reckless driving, driving under the influence or trespassing on private property.

Kevin Perky&8217;s property backs up to an easement. He said people use the easements in his neighborhood but said the trespassing is the least of his concerns.

&8220;I moved out here so my children could ride their bikes,&8221; Perky said. &8220;So it&8217;s not just a private property issue. A four-wheeler is not street legal for a reason.&8221;

Mayor Earl Niven said this is not the first time the issue has come up and said the city would look into the possibility of an ordinance when the ordinance committee meets next month