Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a report in relation to funding for an Enforcement Officer for City’s Bridges.

Discussion took place on the painted chewing gum on Millennium Bridge and whether this practice should be allowed with Members offering differing views.

A Member raised the point that many of the street traders on the bridges were part of the same network which included pickpocketing and begging, and their activities were not solely limited to street trading but were part of a wider syndicate of organised crime. It was noted that begging had been taking place outside the College of Arms, the City of London School and on Bow Lane, and the question was asked whether the Enforcement Officer would have scope to remove individuals engaged in this activity from those areas.

In response the Director of Port Health and Public Protection explained that the focus was to use the additional funding to take enforcement action against those trading on the bridges, but action would also be taken in other areas using existing resources. The Director added that an ice cream van had recently been seized and a prosecution would follow.

RESOLVED – That the Committee note the report.