Agenda item

Illegal Street Trading

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection which sought approval on an action plan to stop illegal street traders. It was explained that there had been an increase in violence from illegal street traders when asked to cease their activities and this has resulted in a need for police assistance.

 

The Comptroller and City Solicitor explained that counsel’s opinion had been sought to identify effective enforcement options available to the City when dealing with persistent illegal street traders. There were three options available to the City Corporation:

·         Criminal behaviour orders

·         Anti-social behaviour injunctions

·         Prohibitory injunctions

 

The Comptroller and City Solicitor outlined the three options and explained that whilst the most appropriate form of enforcement would be dependent on the relevant facts in each individual case, criminal behaviour orders were the most cost effective method and would be adopted wherever possible.

 

A Member reported their concerns on the recent violence carried out by illegal street traders using an example of assault carried out in the Ward of Bridge and Bridge Without and added that there may be an element of organised crime associated with these traders such as human trafficking and funding organised crime. It was noted that the Council of Westminster had eradicated illegal street trading by introducing a number of measures to tackle this behaviour.

 

The Chairman explained that a police presence is required when confronting illegal street traders and with recent events within London requiring police resources, the traders and illegal ice cream vans were taking advantage of this situation by increasing their numbers. The Chairman confirmed that police resources were needed to address this issue, particularly in light of the recent escalation of violence and asked that a note be sent to the Police Committee to request assistance from the City of London Police.

 

In response to a Member’s question on the use of signage to warn tourists and other persons on illegal street trading and whether this could be expedited and moved from the long term to short term actions, the Director of Port Health and Public Protection explained that although the current focus was on direct action, this would be looked into, as would the use of leafleting.

 

The Director of Port Health and Public Protection agreed to provide an oral update on this area at the September meeting and a written report for the November meeting.

 

RESOLVED – That the Committee agree:

a)    the recommended course of action detailed in paragraph 30 of the report before Members;

b)      and that a note of this discussion be sent to the next meeting of the Police Committee.

Supporting documents: