Rome fines tourist golf carts after enforcement sweep

Rome has stepped up controls on tourist golf carts after authorities found the vehicles increasingly common in the historic centre.

Officials say roughly 500 golf carts now operate in the city and that about 90% of them run without proper permits. Police recently stopped 131 of the vehicles around Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Circus Maximus and the Spanish Steps, issuing fines that totalled €38,000 for offences ranging from driving without the correct licence to illegal parking.

Calls for regional regulation

City administrators are pushing for rules at the regional level to regulate the activity, warning it risks getting out of control if left unaddressed. Operators defend the service, saying the carts are quiet and environmentally friendly and help people with disabilities and families with small children visit sights more easily.

For tourists, golf-cart tours are attractive because they make it easier to see landmarks in hot weather and on narrow cobbled streets. Prices start at about €100 per person and can exceed €400 for a half-day excursion.

Residents and taxi drivers, however, have voiced complaints about the carts. A resident of the Monti neighbourhood said she constantly has to avoid the vehicles and described Rome's traffic as "jungle." Tourists in Rome can also tour the city by Fiat 500 or by Vespa with a trailer.

Photo: Gardijan)