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Police have been given extra powers in a crackdown on con artists who target tourists on Westminster Bridge.

Lambeth Council backed the plan after gangs were reported for trying to fleece money from vulnerable people on the bridge.

A stone’s throw away from major tourist attractions such as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, Westminster Bridge is seen as a hotspot for illegal activity.

Gangs have been seen luring tourists into "games of luck" which targets have little or no chance of winning.

Between 2013 and 2015 25 per cent of arrests made on Westminster Bridge were linked to illegal gambling or related anti-social behaviour.

Lambeth's Councillor Mohammed Seedat said: “This is about stopping the harassment and anti-social behaviour on this bridge. It’s been going on for too long, and we hope that a PSPO can finally put an end to it.”

He added: “We are working with our colleagues across the river in Westminster as well as the police, business groups and people who have complained about the issue. The move also supports the wider gambling policy currently being developed in Lambeth.”

The new powers will allow police to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £1,000 for gambling in the area and will be officially enacted on 31 October.

On the other side of the river Westminster Council is considering a similar initiative to work in co-ordination with Lambeth Council.

Westminster councillor Nickie Aiken said: “We recently consulted on implementing a Public Space Protection Order, known as a PSPO, on street gambling and gaming on Westminster Bridge and Golden Jubilee Foot Bridges. This was in response to complaints from residents and visitors about the anti-social behaviour and pick-pocketing that often results from street gambling.

Adding:“Despite costly policing operations this nuisance behaviour continues to adversely affect the public. We will continue to work in partnership with Lambeth Council, the police, business groups and local people to protect and enhance Westminster, so it remains a great place to live, work, invest in, and visit.”

According to Lambeth Council gambling has caused other issues on the bridge. Pedestrians have been forced into the road by the large crowds which gather to watch the games and there have been reports of disputes between gamblers and members of the public.