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An Italian city is to bring in a tough new anti-vice law making it illegal to even 'look like a prostitute' in public.

The new rules mean women wearing skimpy skirts, high heels or 'acting flirtatiously' could be hit with a £400 fine for 'violating urban decorum'.

The law is aimed at cleaning up the streets of the streets of the coastal resort of Salerno following a steep increase in the number of prostitutes in the city.

A Salerno council spokesman said: "Unfortunately, you can't fine somebody for the intention to prostitute - which makes it difficult to counteract the phenomenon.

"Instead, we are encouraging police to fine indiscreet and brazen prostitutes for violating urban decorum."

(Image: Alamy)

It is hoped that the law will make women less attractive to clients and be less visible to citizens and tourists, the spokesman said.

Read more:France considers making 'looking like a prostitute' illegal

He added: "The recent rise in prostitution has come just as we are expecting our annual influx of foreign visitors, so it's important that we act to protect the reputation of our town."

A similar law was brought in in France 12 years ago - then scrapped 10 years later - meaning women wore casual clothing like jeans and trainers to get around the rules.

(Image: Getty)

In Italy prostitution is not illegal, but pimping, soliciting and brothels all are.

In Britain, prostitution and paying for sex are legal if the girl is over 18 and not acting under duress.

But related activities including soliciting, kerb crawling, keeping a brothel and pimping are all outlawed.

Brothels are still legal in Germany, Holland and Switzerland, and tolerated in Spain.

In Europe, only Sweden and Norway have made it illegal to pay for sex.