Southwark shows off goods seized from illegal traders

Cllr Caroline Pidgeon with an assortment of books, DVDs and hot-dog stands recently seized by Southwark Council from unlicensed street traders.

Counterfeit DVDs and hot-dog trolleys were some of the items taken in recent hauls, with all unlicensed traders reported swiftly with the intention of bringing court proceedings. The council retains seized goods until any court hearing, after which the majority are destroyed.

The increase in tourist attractions on Bankside, such as Tate Modern, coupled with the relandscaping of the riverside walk, has led to an increase in unlicensed trading in the SE1 area which Southwark Council claims it has been quick to crack down on, a claim that might be disputed by local groups including the Bankside Residents Forum who have spend several years campaigning for action.

Cllr Caroline Pidgeon, Deputy Leader of Southwark Council, said: "We're working hard to ensure that unlicensed street traders aren't able to get a foot in within Southwark as illegal trading impacts on the success of thriving markets like East Street. We're getting excellent results and will continue to push hard to get these traders off Southwark's streets."