Rome is moving to regulate golf cart tours, a burgeoning mode of transport that has seen bookings surge by 147% this summer compared to 2024. The proposed crackdown comes in response to mounting frustration from local residents who claim the vehicles contribute to street chaos, illegal parking, and increased traffic congestion.
City officials are requesting increased authority from the regional government to implement new rules. If granted, Rome plans to limit the number of golf carts operating within the city, establish designated routes, and determine which operators are permitted to offer tours. The deputy mayor for sustainable mobility and transport, Eugenio Patanè, stated the aim is to regulate a phenomenon that has become "rampant and, in some cases, even worrisome."
While supporters argue that golf carts are quiet, space-efficient, and produce no exhaust fumes that could damage historic monuments, critics point to the potential for as many as 500 carts to be operating on Rome's streets. Reports indicate instances of conflict, with one van driver reportedly yelling at a golf cart driver, "You’re in the middle of the road!" to which the golf cart driver retorted, "The road isn’t yours!"
Pauline Frommer, publisher of Frommer's Guidebooks, noted that Rome's limited public transportation infrastructure has created an opening for alternative transit options. "There isn't that much public transportation because whenever they start to dig a subway, they come upon a priceless relic and the dig site becomes an archaeological site," Frommer explained. "Into this void has come a fleet of golf carts." She added that the carts' ability to navigate narrow streets makes them appealing for tourists seeking to cover more ground.
The debate over golf cart tours reflects a broader global challenge of overtourism, where popular destinations struggle to balance visitor demands with the needs of residents. Frommer highlighted that many major cities are implementing measures such as restrictions on short-term rentals and protections for historic sites to manage visitor numbers.
However, any new regulations on golf carts could impact tourists with mobility issues. Frommer acknowledged that for those who rely on the carts due to difficulties walking, "it will mean it'll be harder to get around Rome."
Online discussions reveal a divided public opinion. Some Reddit users have expressed strong opposition, arguing that golf carts detract from the city's character and are not suitable for urban environments. Conversely, others have defended the tours, sharing positive experiences of their convenience and efficiency in sightseeing.