Ministers have been accused of playing “pass the parcel” over flagrant law-breaking at London’s most iconic tourism hotspot.
Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden called for a crackdown on ice cream vans, pedicabs and conmen doing three-cup tricks on Westminster Bridge.
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.
A series of anti-terror barriers were installed on the historic bridge, in the shadow of Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower, after an attack by an extremist in 2017 killed five people, including Pc Keith Palmer as he tried to stop the knifeman from entering the Commons.
No vehicles are allowed to stop on the bridge which has double red lines.
But when Mr Holden raised his concerns about the bridge and the Government Secure Zone, he was told by the Cabinet Office that it was “a matter for the police”.
But the Home Office said enforcement was “primarily” for Transport for London and councils.
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.”
The Home Office and Met Police said it was a matter for Westminster Council.
Cllr 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.
“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.
A 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.”
