Seize ice cream vans in anti-terror clean-up of London's most iconic tourism hotspot, say Tories

Ministers have been accused of playing “pass the parcel” over flagrant law-breaking at London’s most iconic tourism hotspot.He has raised the issue in the Commons given his concerns over the law-breaking on the bridge which attracts huge numbers of visitors from overseas and around Britain every year.An ice cream van on Westminster BridgeAFP/GettyNo vehicles are allowed to stop on the bridge which has double red lines. Mr Holden said: “It beggars belief that amongst a plethora of illegal activity, dodgy ice cream vans, alongside conmen and unregulated pedicabs are simply being allowed to pull up on Westminster Bridge, right next to Parliament and inside the Government’s own secure zone and no-one does anything.“Labour ministers and the Mayor are asleep at the wheel. “They need to stop passing the buck, recognise the obvious security risk and get these vehicles off the bridge for good.”Security was increased on Westminster Bridge after the 2017 terror attackGettyCllr Caroline Sargent, Westminster Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Enforcement, stressed that it wanted people to be able to enjoy Westminster Bridge’s “iconic viewpoints without being harassed or scammed”.She added: “As the jurisdiction of the bridge is divided between Westminster and Lambeth, effective enforcement depends on close partnership working. “We work hand in hand with Lambeth Council and the police to tackle persistent issues including rogue pedicabs, unlicensed trading, and antisocial behaviour.”Joint operations had led to fines, seizure of goods and prosecutions against unlawful traders and pedicab riders. Ice cream vans have also previously been seized.Jonathan Bartley, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Safer, Thriving Neighbourhoods, said: “These illegal traders exploit tourists, operate outside the licensing regime designed to protect the public and cause obstruction on one of the most iconic and busiest routes into our borough.Read More“Lambeth Council has taken significant enforcement action, including seizing ice cream vans and prosecuting people for illegal trading.“But the fact that some traders simply return after being moved on, fined or prosecuted shows that enforcement as it stands is not sufficient.”He condemned the “lucrative and persistent illegal trade” on the bridge and stressed that further action was needed to disrupt it.Tourists pose for a selfie on Westminster Bridge during a summer heatwaveGettyA Transport for London spokesperson said: “Illegal parking on the bridge can create safety risks by obstructing the highway and forcing pedestrians into cycle lanes. “This is an ongoing issue, and we continue to monitor the area, take enforcement action against vehicles that stop or park illegally and work closely with the police.”