Repeat wolf-whistlers face on-the-spot fines of up to €750 (£660) under a new law against sexual harassment passed this week, amid outrage over a film of a woman being punched in broad daylight in Paris.

MPs approved the law on its second reading late on Wednesday days after security footage showing a man punching Parisian student Marie Laguerre after she responded to his lewd advances went viral.

However, feminist groups, and some police unions, slammed the new bill against “sexist outrage” as a “huge disappointment” that would see more serious offences go unpunished and that was inapplicable in practice.

The new law creates fines of €90-750 for gender-based harassment on streets and public transportation, which will be applicable starting in September.

"Harassment in the street has previously not been punished. From now on, it will be," Marlene Schiappa, gender equality minister and architect of the new legislation, told Europe 1 radio on Thursday.

She said she was convinced the measure would act as a “deterrent.”