Segways for tourists in Melbourne approved

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This was published 10 years ago

Segways for tourists in Melbourne approved

Tourists will soon be scooting around Melbourne on Segways.

Tourists will soon be scooting around Melbourne on Segways.Credit: Julian Kingma

Tourists will soon be gliding through the city of Melbourne on upright scooters to take in the sights.

Changes in state government regulation will allow tour businesses to apply for a permit to operate Segway tours around tourist attractions on the city's perimeter.

Until now, vehicle registration provisions have stopped businesses from operating tours using the two-wheeled machines.

The changes are among 36 announced by the Victorian government on Wednesday aimed at cutting red tape.

Treasurer Michael O'Brien says there had previously been concern about whether the speed of Segways could pose a danger to others.

"What we've been able to do through these reforms is work out if you have an appropriate permit system, you can deal with those concerns," he told reporters.

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) welcomed the news.

"Segway tours will diversify the tourism experience and make Melbourne an even more enjoyable place to visit," VTIC chief executive, Dianne Smith, said.

Other changes introduced to cut red tape include lifting restrictions on the sale of plastic knives to minors, raising height limits for walls that can be built without need for a council permit and making it easier for liquor-licensed venues to stage alcohol-free under-age events.

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Most of the reforms will be put in place to meet the government's 25 per cent red tape reduction target by July.

Mr O'Brien says the changes will reduce the burden on businesses, government and cut costs to consumers and contribute to more than $715 million in red tape savings over the term of the government.

AAP

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