South Bank hot dog wars continue

Five of the hot dog vendors were on the bridge, with another at Belvedere Road. The three stalls were offering wire-bending shapes on request, jewellery, sunglasses and batteries. All trolleys, goods and stalls were seized.

The council says that the raid was the latest in a series of actions aimed at cracking down on rogue traders preying on tourists and residents alike.

"We will not let up on these operations until this illegal activity is stopped once and for all" said Councillor Clare Whelan, Lambeth's executive member for environment.

"The unlicensed hotdog sellers are of particular concern, due to their unhygienic cooking equipment, non-existent washing facilities and cheap food which is kept unrefrigerated. Many customers suffer food poisoning as a result and certainly do not get value for money, " she continued.

"It is essential that the public is protected from being ripped off and having their health threatened by these unsavoury operators."

• Lambeth Council
• Metropolitan Police