29/01/2010 - Rogue traders Bill clears Commons
Legislation aimed at granting local authorities new restrictions on rogue street traders will now be considered in the House of Lords following a two-year battle.
The private member bill, giving councils in Leeds and Reading more powers to stop people abusing pedlar permits, was granted a "smooth passage" in the Commons, despite some reservations about fines and seizure of goods.
There have been concerns that the new laws, first brought to the Commons in 2008, would end the historical rights for pedlars to sell their goods freely in the streets.
Christopher Chope, Conservative MP for Christchurch, who previously opposed the legislation, agreed to the clearing after Leeds City Council and Reading Borough Council reached a "reasonable compromise" with MPs.
However, he repeated concerns about measures to prohibit pedlars from carrying their goods in small trolleys as well as new rules on fixed penalty notices and the seizure of goods.
Mr Chope said during third reading debate: "I'm sure there are a lot of genuine pedlars who will remain concerned about certain aspects of these two bills."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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