A former horse and carriage operator said it was dangerous to allow tours to continue in Hamilton.

Though carriages were operating on Monday evening in the city, the Chamber of Commerce said they will not be on hand tonight at Harbour Nights.

Since two horses broke loose last Wednesday and trampled the crowd, injuring 19 people, many have called for an outright ban of the practise in Hamilton.

Samantha Hayward is one of them. She spent nearly 10 years operating a carriage during evenings before she decided to quit over concerns of safety, for passengers and the animals.

Yesterday, she said: “I fully believe that the horse and carriages are a part of Bermuda tradition and are for the most part a beautiful sight to behold.

“However, times they have changed and we really need to assess whether Front Street is a suitable place for them.

“I personally think not, it is way too congested in Hamilton for these creatures to be spending their days there.”

Mrs. Hayward arrived on Front Street last Wednesday with her infant son shortly after the horses broke loose.

“I can only liken the scene to that of something we see on the TV from Beirut,” she said. “It was really a horrible sight and I am thankful that my infant son and I were running late and were not caught in the melee.”

While tourists often enjoy the rides, she said, safety should be the number one concern. Particularly as the Government is busy trying to revive the tourism industry.

“The last thing we need is to have the safety of our visitors and for that matter locals jeopardised by a run away team of horses,” she said.

“Let’s face it this is not the first accident involving horse and carriages although it is certainly the worst.

“ Maybe we should view this as a wake up call.”

She recommended horse and carriage rides be used for weddings and private functions and banned from the city. At the very least she said they should not be allowed in the city till after 6 p.m. and not on Harbour Nights.

Mrs. Hayward said: “I truly hope the Government and Corporation of Hamilton will seriously review the situation and make the right decision for the welfare of all, especially for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Last night Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Diane Gordon said an investigation into the incident was still underway.

So far the Chamber and Corporation of Hamilton have not made any decisions on the future of horse and carriages in the city, but she said they will not be there tonight.