London tourists warned of rogue traders using boxing machines and photo booths

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Westminister City Council has issued fines amounting to £70,000 in a pre-Christmas crackdown on illegal street traders engaging in activities including setting up boxing machines and 360-degree photo booths. The council said that during the Christmas period it is working to keep Londoners and tourists safe, and had sent out inspectors to secure fines and victim surcharges against illegal street traders. open image in gallery Pedicabs are known to charge extortionate prices for rides around central London “Westminster City Council has a zero-tolerance approach to breaking the law or trying to make a quick buck – we will catch you and we will prosecute you.” “These results are a testament to the hard work of the City Inspectors, Environmental Health officers and others who work throughout the year to keep Westminster safe.” Inspectors sought out 12 pedicab riders who drive colourful and lit-up rickshaws in busy areas and are known to charge passengers an extremely high amount of money for very short journeys, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour. open image in gallery The boxing machines have enticed visitors to the city to spend money The council also brought five prosecutions against illegal street traders using 360-degree photobooths and boxing machines, with fines totalling £6,187.