Iconic piece of New York City faces strict ban under new ‘Central Park’ law

A STAPLE of the New York City tourist experience is facing a strict ban as safety concerns reach a fever pitch.

The push for this change comes in the wake of one tourist’s death in June, and a number of other incidents for the Central Park tradition.

A Central Park staple for tourists could soon be shut down if a proposed bill has its way Credit: Getty

The latest push to end the horse-drawn carriage industry comes in the wake of an 18-year-old tourist’s death Credit: Getty

Romanch’s Law, or New York Intro 943, seeks to end the horse-drawn carriage industry by first ceasing the issuance of new licenses.

This would be followed by a complete ban on their operation taking effect on June 1, 2028.

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The latest push to end the industry comes after the death of Indian tourist Romanch Mahajan, 18, while riding in a horse-drawn carriage on June 17.

After stopping for a photo, the horse pulling Mahajan’s carriage got spooked, causing his mother to fall out.

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He jumped out of the carriage after her, fatally hitting his head on the ground as a result.

The Mahajan family is set to testify via video at a City Council hearing on Wednesday night, hoping to prevent such a tragedy from befalling another family.

“No other family should ever have to endure this horrific nightmare,” said Mahajan’s uncle Gaurav to local outlet WABC.

Members of the Central Park Conservancy agree that something needs to change after eight horse-related incidents in about two years.

Central Park Conservancy Vice President David Saltonstall is in support of the ban for fear of future incidents Credit: ABC7

But industry workers like Christina Hansen say there’s plenty of room for the existing horse carriages Credit: ABC7

“This isn’t a theoretical danger, this is a very acute one, and I don’t want to be standing here in two months talking about the ninth incident,” said David Saltonstall, vice president of the conservancy, to WABC.

Industry workers argue that there is room for the 68 carriages the city has allowed since the end of WWII, and then some.

“We were told there wasn’t room then,” said carriage driver Christina Hansen with TWU Local 100 to WABC.

“But since then, we’ve added hundreds of pedi-cabs, thousands of e-bikes, and, you know, there’s still the same 68 carriages.

“And now they’re trying to tell us that there isn’t room for us anymore.”

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for what the bill aims to accomplish, but has criticized how it will protect workers who lose their livelihoods as a result.

The New York City Council did not immediately return The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.