Authorities in Rome have implemented a ban on horse drawn carriages being used on city centre streets. They are to be replaced by special electric powered period cars.

The 44 carriages will be allowed to work the streets on weekends but for the rest of the time they are to be confined to working in the city parks.

The new scheme has but put in place following several accidents. Last year a horse had to be put to sleep after breaking its leg in a collision with a truck.

Michela Vittoria Brambilla, Italy’s deputy tourism minister has been championing the plight of the 90 horses employed on Rome’s streets.

Full details of the ban are expected to be revealed next Wednesday.