Taking a selfie on a pedestrian bridge overlooking the neon-drenched Las Vegas Strip used to be a quintessential Vegas experience. But that’s no longer the case. Earlier this week, a new law banned people from stopping or standing on the bridges, or engaging in any activity that causes another person to stop, in an effort to improve pedestrian flow and safety.
Those who violate the new law could face a misdemeanor charge and, if convicted, up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine.While the law seems harsh, Las Vegas officials insist it’s not meant to target selfie-takers or tourists enjoying the sights.
Safety First
“The Pedestrian Flow Zone ordinance will help to ensure our world-class tourism destination remains a safe place for people to visit,” said Jennifer Cooper, Clark County’s chief communications and strategy officer. “This measure is about ensuring a continuous flow of pedestrian traffic across the bridges, which will ultimately make the experience better for everyone.”
Following a trend
The Las Vegas ban is part of a growing trend of tourist destinations around the world taking steps to manage overcrowding and disruptive behavior. In recent months, an Italian town introduced hefty fines for tourists who linger too long to take selfies in popular photography spots, while an Austrian village that inspired Disney’s Frozen erected a fence to deter selfie-snappers.
Mixed reactions
The Las Vegas ban has been met with mixed reactions. Some tourists support the move, arguing that it will make the Strip less crowded and more enjoyable. Others, however, worry that it will take away from the fun and spontaneity of a Vegas vacation.
Impact on upcoming events
The new law comes just two months after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where pedestrians crowded bridges to take photos of the race, and only six weeks before the Super Bowl, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. It remains to be seen how the ban will be enforced during these busy events.
Only time will tell whether the Las Vegas selfie ban will be a success. But one thing is for sure: the days of leisurely snapping photos on the Strip’s pedestrian bridges are over.
Those who violate the new law could face a misdemeanor charge and, if convicted, up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine.While the law seems harsh, Las Vegas officials insist it’s not meant to target selfie-takers or tourists enjoying the sights.
Safety First
“The Pedestrian Flow Zone ordinance will help to ensure our world-class tourism destination remains a safe place for people to visit,” said Jennifer Cooper, Clark County’s chief communications and strategy officer. “This measure is about ensuring a continuous flow of pedestrian traffic across the bridges, which will ultimately make the experience better for everyone.”
Following a trend
The Las Vegas ban is part of a growing trend of tourist destinations around the world taking steps to manage overcrowding and disruptive behavior. In recent months, an Italian town introduced hefty fines for tourists who linger too long to take selfies in popular photography spots, while an Austrian village that inspired Disney’s Frozen erected a fence to deter selfie-snappers.
Mixed reactions
The Las Vegas ban has been met with mixed reactions. Some tourists support the move, arguing that it will make the Strip less crowded and more enjoyable. Others, however, worry that it will take away from the fun and spontaneity of a Vegas vacation.
Impact on upcoming events
The new law comes just two months after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where pedestrians crowded bridges to take photos of the race, and only six weeks before the Super Bowl, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. It remains to be seen how the ban will be enforced during these busy events.
Only time will tell whether the Las Vegas selfie ban will be a success. But one thing is for sure: the days of leisurely snapping photos on the Strip’s pedestrian bridges are over.