Horse-drawn carriages are to remain banned from Harbour Nights events despite calls for the Corporation of Hamilton to revisit that decision.

Operators and stable owners claimed the ruling premature in the absence of police consultation, while Government Senator Wayne Caines said Mayor Sutherland Madeiros had "overstepped his authority" with the decree.

"I would like to categorically state that I and the members of Corporation of Hamilton made an informed decision and have not overstepped our authority in any way shape or form, as stated by the Junior Minister for Tourism and Transport," retorted Mr. Madeiros.

"We have approached the horses and carriages issue regarding Harbour Nights on a consultative basis . . . this decision was made in the interest of public safety."

Mr. Madeiros was responding to public comments and a letter by Sen. Caines urging him to reconsider the decision.

The ban comes almost a year after a stampede during Harbour Nights ¿ a popular event held on Front Street over the summer ¿ saw 19 people harmed. The most seriously injured victim suffered two broken arms, a broken leg and a badly damaged ear.

Sen. Caines said the Mayor's announcement came as a "surprise" to senior officials in Tourism and Transport who are "concerned that the Mayor of Hamilton overstepped his authority".

As reported in The Royal Gazette, he told the Senate: "While the Mayor obviously has wide discretion within the city limits, it is the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board (PSVLB) which is responsible for public service vehicles countrywide ¿ and that legislative oversight includes horse-drawn carriages. The (PSVLB) was not consulted before the Mayor's public statements . .. the Transport Control Department (TCD) was also not consulted."

Mr. Madeiros said the decision was reached following talks with a number of oganisations including the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, the Government veterinarian, the SPCA and TCD.

"We have not been made privy to the official police report, but we were informed by a senior police officer that the report was inconclusive," he continued.

"We were aware that this decision would impact horse and carriage owners and we therefore offered them the option of plying their trade from Albuoy's Point ¿ away from the busy activities of Harbour Nights ¿ but they refused our offer.

"It is disappointing that the Government has decided to comment on an issue which is not part of their remit and it is interesting to note that the letter from the Junior Minister does not refer to me overstepping my authority, despite his media comments to that effect yesterday.

"Whilst the recent ordinance regarding the horses and carriage ban refers to the streets of Hamilton, the intent was to ban horses and carriages in the vicinity of Harbour Nights activities and this will be clarified before the opening of Harbour Nights on 30 April."