特別推薦：亞運英語學習之旅

近期歐洲頻繁遭遇恐怖襲擊威脅，出于安全方面的考慮，英國近日宣布禁止外國游客參觀倫敦地標建筑大本鐘，本國游客參觀需向所屬選區的國會議員提交書面申請。大本鐘管理員表示，這項新規定旨在保障地標的安全，由于對外國游客進行安檢的程序復雜且費用昂貴，所以決定不再向外國游客開放。本國游客的參觀申請由當地議會審批并安排，大本鐘每天將接待三批本國游客，每批16人，參觀時長為75分鐘。游客參觀前先要到大本鐘外的辦公室接受安檢，通過金屬探測器，拍下面部照片，才能得到通行證。參觀全程由持槍警員監察，由導游帶領參觀。

Foreigners have been banned from visiting Big Ben over security fears.

Foreigners have been banned from visiting Big Ben over security fears.

Tourists from abroad were until recently allowed to tour the legendary London landmark. But due to mounting security problems they have now been banned.

Clearance checks for foreigners which were to ensure that terrorists could not target the historic clock tower became too complex and costly.

British citizens are still allowed to visit Big Ben, but must apply by writing to their MP.

Michael McCann, the Keeper of The Great Clock, said the policy had to change to maintain security at the iconic London monument.

He said: 'We used to get a lot of foreign tourists but you have to be a British citizen now. It just got too complicated with the security checks, as you can imagine.

'We don't do public tours but you can write to your MP with a reason for wanting to see it and they arrange a tour for you. We do a tour up to three times a day which sounds a lot but there are only 16 people on a tour.'

Before taking the 75-minute tour, guests have to pass through strict security checks at Portcullis House.

Under the supervision of armed police, each visitor passes through a metal detector and a wall-mounted camera takes a picture of their face before being issued with a photo security pass.

They are guided around the famous tower of Parliament, learning the history of the tower, the bell and how the most accurate public clock in the world works.

A spokesman for the House of Commons confirmed the ban on foreigners but said: 'The house does not comment in detail on security matters.'

He added: 'The process involves people approaching their MP and some kind of security checks take place, based on their residency in the UK.'

The UK Parliament website says: 'UK residents can arrange a tour through their local MP.

However, please be advised that space is extremely limited and early booking, 3-6 months in advanced, is strongly recommended. Overseas visitors cannot currently visit the tower.'

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(Agencies)

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）