With the summer months in full swing, motorists are coming into Greencastle on four wheels, two wheels, and by way of ATV and side by sides.
The latter is thanks in part to a Greencastle City Ordinance that allows UTVs an opportunity to navigate on city streets, as long as they are registered.
According to Greencastle Police Chief Christopher Jones, all has gone well since the city enacted the legislation.
"I would say it is going pretty good. Right now, we have around 150 to 155 of these vehicles registered. All in all, we have not experienced any more problems than what we already do with the motoring public. Knock on wood, we have 150 to 155 registered UTVs, and I can't think of one major issue that we have had," Jones told The Putnam County Post.
The one biggest issue, according to Jones, centers around some residents not registered the vehicle.
"I would say our biggest issue is we know some people are still driving them in town unregistered. We know some are refusing to register, and we are enforcing that by looking for those individuals to ensure people operating UTVs in town are following the rules. It is not fair to the people who go through the inspection process and pay the fee to enjoy the privilege while other people take advantage of it. It is about being fair. For the most part, everyone has followed the rules, and we've had no big issues," Jones said.
The registration process comes with several rules and regulations. All drivers shall be 18, possess an Indiana driver's license, have insurance, wear a seatbelt and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. The registration is $100 for an inspection and processing and can be renewed for additional one year periods upon payment of $35. The UTVs cannot be used on city streets from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and cannot be driven on sidewalks, pathways, city grass or on Veterans Memorial Highway.
And, once residents get into downtown, they are taking part in eating and enjoying the occassional adult beverage across the city's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) District.
Jones said it has been "business as usual" for his department with the addition of DORA, which has been in place for several months.
"Basically, it is the same. Any small issues we had before the DORA district went into place, we have the same human nature and same things happening. There has been no uptick or big revolution of people doing what they aren't supposed to," Jones said.
Jones said DORA gave the town boundaries and a set of rules to follow, which makes it a "little easier" for his officers.
"We know what cups to look for and what to look out for when we do get those calls, but we haven't had any major issues," Jones said.
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