Ice cream traders face limits playing their chimes

Some traders have complained about illegal or unauthorised ice cream sellers in Cambridgeshire

Ice cream traders could face limits on how long they play their chimes and the length of time they can park on residential streets.

South Cambridgeshire District Council said it was "challenging" to enforce and license ice cream sellers and it would consider street trading policy changes.

A new ice cream trader consent was proposed, which would require traders to have express permission from nearby schools before trading in their vicinity.

Under the rules, loudspeaker chimes would be restricted to between 12:00 and 19:00. The council would also enforce the existing law which means chimes can be played for no more than 12 seconds while approaching, and stopping once the van is stationary.

A report presented to councillors on Wednesday said: "The enforcement and licensing of ice cream traders has been a challenging one, having attempted to pinpoint locations in such rural areas."

It added that a more "flexible approach" would allow trading to take place in areas approved by the appropriate parish or town council.

The proposal also included a 15-minute trading limit at each location, aimed at ensuring fair access to customers for all traders throughout the day.

Traders operating without consent would have their consent revoked, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Officers told councillors the changes were being proposed after some ice cream traders complained about other "illegal or unauthorised" sellers.

Councillors at the meeting supported the changes.

A consultation on the new conditions is expected to take place before a decision is made to adopt the limits.