VALE of Glamorgan Council is using hard-hitting tactics to tackle illegal street traders.

Local authority councillors and officers have responded to the mass of complaints they have received from residents in recent months.

And they have targeted around 250 streets in the area, where traders are selling cars and other goods literally on locals' doorsteps.

Trying to shift goods, especially cars, from the pavements has long been an issue with residents.

They claim this type of trading poses a danger to traffic and pedestrians and often blocks access to their homes.

In the past, the council was hampered by old legislation which did not cover much of the Vale. It was seen as difficult and time-consuming for officers to enforce and only carried a maximum £50 fine.

But now, the adoption of updated by-laws allows more effective enforcement action and a top fine of £1,000.

Vale Cabinet Member (Visible Services) Cllr Gerald Fletcher told the News: "The offence is now one of strict liability and cannot be defended, as in the past, by a 'no knowledge' plea."

To back its enforcement strategy, the council is placing appropriate signs in 'hot spot' areas.

Cllr Fletcher added: "A large number of complaints are received about the activities of traders on streets, roads, lay-bys and forecourts, with most of these relating to the sale of motor vehicles.

"These vehicles are often parked outside people's homes, causing inconvenience and disruption to local residents, especially the elderly and disabled who wish to gain access to their homes and find that they, or relatives and friends, have to park some distance away from their homes."