By Sandy Wells
KABC News
Many tourist vans in Hollywood are unsafe, lacking seat belts and structurally compromised by dangerous modifications – such as having the roof removed. Where there used to be just a handful of well-run businesses, there are now more than fifty operators offering tours in the Hollywood area. The sheer number of them offering tours of the homes of the stars have proven to be a big nuisance to residents.
State Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian representing the 46th District in the San Fernando Valley says it’s time for some sensible regulations.
“It’s very visible and it’s very justifiable how frustrated some of the residents in the areas have become, and the continuous wrong misinformation that’s also been given by these tour guides as well, has caused many non-celebrity residents to also become victims of individuals who have, after taking the tour, wanted to actually compromise the security of the home and get in just so they can have a sneak peak of the celebrity that they believed was living in the house.”
The vans that have been structurally altered pose legal risks.
“First of all, the manufacturer warranties goes away the moment the car’s structural integrity is compromised … whether they know it or not, they’re assuming all the liability at that point.”
An NBCLA’s undercover investigation’s film crews caught the guides driving recklessly, speeding, using their cellphones behind the wheel, and running stop signs and stop lights.
Source: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Hollywood-Tour-Trouble-topless-safety-390868241.html#ixzz4SBIPcLuU
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Nazarian says those guides who are serious about the tour industry will be willing to follow regulations ensuring the safety of their customers and will not annoy the people living in celebrity-rich neighborhoods.
Nazarian was guest on 790 KABC’s McIntyre in the Morning Show with Doug McIntyre.