For years Venice has battled the effects of rising waters on its historic architecture , but now it 's facing a new threat -- wheeled suitcases . City officials have become so tired with the cacophony of rumbling luggage they 're introducing fines of up to 500 euros ( $ 620 ) for anyone caught using one . The move , due to come into effect in May 2015 , is likely to create a headache for many of 22 million who annually visit the city and need to cart bags to hotels in car-free streets . For locals , long tired of plastic or hard rubber wheels rattling past their windows as they try to sleep , it will come as a welcome relief . The new rules , which will require luggage to be transported on quieter air-filled tires , are the idea of City Commissioner Victor Zappalorto , according to the Il Messaggero newspaper . 'Serious discomfort ' City officials have reportedly said the noise from hard-wheeled suitcases and traders using trolleys was causing `` serious discomfort . '' There were also concerns about the `` progressive deterioration '' of historic marble steps , stone pathways and footbridges around Venice 's old canals . The local Il Gazzettino newspaper says the new rule will be legally binding as it 'll be written into local building code . Zappalorto has suggested the legislation will be an opportunity for an entrepreneurial luggage to cash in in by creating a Venice-friendly suitcase that runs on soft tires . Whether or not the idea takes off could depend on how loud the rumblings of complaint from visitors are . Do you think Venice is right to ban wheeled suitcases ? Let us know in the comments below .
Venice authorities say wheeled suitcases are a noise nuisance and cause damage to historic streets . New laws restricting use of wheeled luggage will affect many of 27 million annual tourists . Comment: