More policing of pedlars planned

Currently the police are responsible for registering pedlars

Pedlars - people who trade on the move - could face regulation by local authorities and instant fines if they flout the rules.

Under government plans, pedlars could be licensed by local authorities rather than the police and a national database could be set up.

Pedlars, selling items such as balloons and pashminas, have clashed with street traders in some UK towns and cities.

Trading standards officers have also raised concerns about customer rights.

On the move

A street trader travels to trade, setting up a stall costing up to £100 a week after paying a few hundred pounds for a licence from the local council.

We want to strike a balance, so that legitimate pedlars and street traders can go about their business, while effective action is taken against those who either ignore or manipulate the current system Kevin Brennan, Consumer Minister Pedlar power prompts law change call

Pedlars trade as they travel. They can only stop in one place for a maximum of 15 minutes and sell only what they can carry or cart around. They need a licence from the local police, which costs just £12.25 and can be used for a year almost anywhere in the country.

Traditionally, pedlars moved door-to-door selling their handicrafts under rules set by law in 1871. A number of councils have been attempting to secure private acts of parliament to clear them from busy shopping areas, arguing that the trade should not operate in town centres.

They say that large numbers of pedlars are a nuisance, and consumers struggle to get their money back if the pedlars sell shoddy goods.

But pedlars argue that they are checked by the police and do not undermine street traders because they can only sell the little that they can carry. It has been argued that the councils trying to restrict them are simply trying to protect the income they get from street traders.

New rules?

Now the government wants to update the 1871 licensing rules, including the possibility of councils issuing certificates locally which can be recognised nationally.

DEFINITION OF A PEDLAR - 1871 ACT Any hawker, pedlar, petty chapman, tinker, caster of metals, mender of chairs... Without any horse or other beast of bearing or drawing burden, travels and trades on foot and goes from town to town or to other men's houses... Carrying to sell or exposing for sale any goods, wares, or merchandise, or procuring orders for goods, wares, or merchandise immediately to be delivered... Selling or offering for sale his skill in handicraft

After commissioning research from Durham University, the government is proposing restrictions on pedlars in certain areas and fixed penalty notices, rather than expensive prosecution, for pedlars who break the rules.

"A number of local authorities have raised concerns about illegal street trading and have sought tougher powers," said Consumer Affairs Minister Kevin Brennan.

"We want to ensure the laws that set out who and where people can trade remain in the best interests of local communities, and we are keen to hear people's views on our proposals.

"We want to strike a balance, so that legitimate pedlars and street traders can go about their business, while effective action is taken against those who either ignore or manipulate the current system."