Venice to ban big tourist groups, loudspeakers

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 31 - Venice is to ban large tourist groups and guides using loudspeakers starting June 1, local media reported Sunday.
    The move, aimed at freeing up crowded calli and easing noise pollution, will restrict tourist groups to 25 max and will ban loudspeakers in the historic centre of the lagoon city and the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
    The city council said it was trying to "meet the needs for residents' safeguards and the promotion of pedestrian mobility." The ban will come into effect just over a month after Venice will bring in an access charge and restrict the entry of tourists, on April 25. (ANSA).