New code to halt 'annoying' touts

A gentleman's agreement could halt the use of "aggressive" tactics by workers touting for Cambridge's punt operators.

Visitors and residents have complained to the city council about "annoying and stressful" tactics being used by some touts near Silver Street Bridge.

The council has said it will tackle the problem by introducing a by-law - but this will not be in place until autumn.

In the meantime the council is working with punt operators to draw up a voluntary code of conduct.

The rules, which operators will have to agree to be bound by, will state where the punt operators can work and also where they can tout.

An increase in the number of touts had been blamed on a rise in the number of independent punt operators.

The council said the process of introducing a by-law was underway.