Dan Andrews BANS Melbourne’s iconic horse-drawn carriages from the CBD

Horse-drawn carriages will be been banned Melbourne’s busy inner city streets from next month.

Carriages will not be permitted on public roads in the CBD area, bound by Flinders Street, Spring Street, La Trobe Street and Spencer Street.

Operators will still be allowed to drive the carriages outside this zone within the City of Melbourne, with pre-booked passengers.

Roads Minister Ben Carroll says it would ensure safer streets and protect animal welfare.

‘We’ve heard the community’s concerns about horse-drawn carriages and this proposal will improve safety for everyone on some of our busiest streets,’ he said.

‘We will continue to work with our road safety partners, RSPCA and the community to ensure animal welfare and safety across the industry.’

The plan came about after concerns for the horses (pictured) and traffic safety from the public

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp says it will improve safety on some of the city’s busiest roads and allow for better management of horse-drawn carriages.

‘We know that road and footpath space in the Hoddle Grid is at a premium, which is why we need to keep people moving as best we can,’ she said.

 The Victorian government has previously said the horse-drawn carriages pose a hazard for  operators, their passengers, horses and other road users including pedestrians, cyclists, trams, drivers, e-scooter riders, delivery vans and commercial passenger vehicles. Pictured is Victorian Premier Dan Andrews

More to come