Rome is moving to regulate the proliferation of golf carts that have become a common sight carrying tourists through its historic center. The city plans to introduce new rules to address concerns about increased congestion, illegal parking, and the overall impact on overtourism, while tour operators argue the carts offer a sustainable and less intrusive way to see the sights.
Hundreds of these electric vehicles are navigating Rome's crowded streets, often moving faster than traditional regulations can keep up. Critics describe the carts as a nuisance that exacerbates traffic problems and contributes to the strain of mass tourism. Local media have adopted strong language, with some reports calling it an "invasion."
Tour operators, however, contend that golf carts are a more environmentally friendly option than larger tour buses or vans. They highlight that the carts are silent, occupy less space, and do not emit exhaust fumes that can damage historical monuments. The Metur association, representing tour operators, was established in December to foster dialogue with residents and the city administration.
"Overtourism is a real problem, and we’re not denying it. And maybe we’re also part of it in a way," said Pascal van Duijnhoven, president of Metur. "But if we’re part of it, then at least be part of it in a smart way. We believe, especially for Rome, that it’s a solution. And we really hope that people start looking at it like this. But we need a hand. We need some help from the authorities."
Rome's deputy mayor for sustainable mobility and transport, Eugenio Patanè, is working to manage traffic flow, not just for golf carts but for all vehicles. In July, electric vehicles were required to pay admission fees to enter the historic center, a measure previously applied to gasoline-powered cars. The city aims to reduce the number of daily entrants.
However, regulating golf carts has presented challenges. Technical specifications mean some carts fall under existing regulations, while others do not. Furthermore, passenger transport and tourism businesses are typically regulated at the regional level. Patanè has requested that the region transfer this regulatory power to the city, a move anticipated this month.
Once this authority is secured, the city intends to implement a regulation establishing fixed tour routes, limiting the total number of carts, and creating a system for selecting licensed operators. "Cities where this golf cart phenomenon is expanding truly have very few weapons," Patanè stated. "We will be able to regulate this phenomenon that has now become rampant and, in some cases, even worrisome."
Tour operators argue that proposed regulations could hinder their emerging industry. In the meantime, authorities have begun to enforce existing rules more strictly. In the latter half of August, vehicles associated with Metur were reportedly stopped by authorities multiple times for document checks, leading to significant delays and inconsistent penalties. Drivers of carts allegedly operating as unlicensed private-hire vehicles face potential bans from the streets for over a month or fines of up to 4,000 euros ($4,600) for operating without a license.
The issue of parking and traffic congestion in Rome's historic center predates the golf cart boom. Limited on-street parking, with approximately 4,300 spots available for residents' vehicles, and an average of 50,000 daily entrants contribute to the persistent traffic challenges. Local residents, like Luigi la Licata, head of the Monti neighborhood association, view the golf carts as the latest addition to an already problematic traffic situation.
Bookings for golf cart tours saw a significant increase, growing 147% from 2024 to the current summer, according to TripAdvisor. The number of golf carts operating in Rome is estimated to be as high as 500.