The Town of Seabrook Island is exploring the possibility of prohibiting or further regulating low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on the public portion of Seabrook Island Road due to concerns about safety and traffic congestion. The issue was discussed during a meeting of the town’s public safety committee, with a focus on the growing number of LSVs on the road.
Growing Use of Low-Speed Vehicles on Seabrook Island
More than 500 property owners on Seabrook Island own LSVs, not including rental vehicles. LSVs are four-wheeled motor vehicles, either electric or gasoline-powered, with a top speed of 20 to 25 mph. These vehicles, which must weigh less than 3,000 pounds and have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), are currently allowed to operate on the public portion of Seabrook Island Road from town hall to the circle.
However, with the increasing number of LSVs, safety concerns and traffic congestion are becoming more prevalent, prompting the town to consider potential restrictions or regulations.
Challenges with Enforcement
One of the main challenges discussed by the public safety committee is enforcement. Seabrook Island does not have its own police department, so the sheriff’s office is responsible for overseeing the area. Committee members expressed concerns that the sheriff’s office may not be able to prioritize enforcement of LSV regulations given the broader demands on their resources.
“It becomes difficult when you have the rules and you can’t enforce them. Then that adds another level of saying ‘well you never enforce the rules,’” said Dan Kortvelesy, Town of Seabrook Island Councilmember and Chairman of the Public Safety Committee.
Potential Solutions to Regulate LSV Use
The committee is exploring several options to address the concerns, including:
Changing the speed limit: Increasing the speed limit from 35 mph to 40 mph would make LSV use illegal on the road, as state law prohibits LSVs on roads with speed limits higher than 35 mph.
Adding a pull-over lane: A designated lane for slower-moving vehicles could help improve traffic flow and safety.
Hiring off-duty sheriff’s deputies: While the details and costs of this option remain unclear, the town is considering hiring off-duty officers to patrol the area and enforce any new regulations.
Focus on LSV Safety and Community Concerns
The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association has also been working to improve LSV safety. Maryanne Connelly, Director of the association, explained, “We have had a lot of concerns from our property owners about LSVs and their safety.” The association has increased patrols and is educating residents about LSV rules and regulations in hopes of improving safety for drivers both within the gates and on public roads.
“If we can get them to be safer behind the gate on the island, I think naturally they are going to be safer on this portion also,” said Kortvelesy.
Planning for Future Growth
With the Medical University of South Carolina’s medical pavilion and Sea Fields apartments opening later this year, the committee anticipates more vehicles will be added to an already busy road. Therefore, it’s important to address the potential impact of increased traffic and LSV use before the situation worsens.
“We’re trying to be proactive,” said Connelly. The committee agreed that more research is needed to understand how other communities, like Hilton Head, have handled similar issues, and to develop a comprehensive solution for Seabrook Island.
Next Steps
The public safety committee is expected to continue gathering information and research before making any formal recommendations to the town council. The committee emphasized the importance of finding a balanced solution that ensures both safety and accessibility for Seabrook Island residents and visitors.
