Published: Wednesday 21 October 2026
Council officers stepped in to tackle illegal street trading more than 400 times during a 12-week summer crackdown in Kensington and Chelsea.
More than 50 fines were issued and two hot dog carts confiscated during the summer operation, which targeted hotspots including Exhibition Road, Brompton Road, Hans Crescent, Sloane Square and the King's Road.
The crackdown saw two additional officers patrolling the streets seven days a week, tackling illegal trading that can cause noise, litter, pollution and pavement obstructions and undercut businesses that pay for licences and follow the rules.
Between 17 July and early October, the additional officers carried out 1,260 hours of patrols, working alongside the Council's Street Enforcement Team to challenge illegal traders and take action against those breaking the rules.
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Enforcement, said:
“Our streets are not a free-for-all, and the rules are not optional. Whether it's outside our world-famous museums or along the King's Road, nobody has the right to set up an illegal trading operation and expect us to turn a blind eye.
“We've had officers out seven days a week, challenging illegal traders more than 400 times, handing out fines and seizing hot dog carts, so if you think you can flout the rules and carry on trading, think again.
“Legitimate businesses pay for their licences, follow the rules and work hard to make Kensington and Chelsea such a fantastic place to visit. It’s not fair for illegal traders to undercut them, or for residents and visitors to be left dealing with the noise, litter and disruption. We'll continue to stand up for those who play by the rules.”
Rebecca Handley, Director of Place and Environment for the Knightsbridge Partnership and King’s Road Partnership, said:
“The Knightsbridge and King’s Road Partnerships have been proud to work alongside the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to tackle illegal street trading, proactively gathering intelligence, identifying hotspots and supporting targeted enforcement.
“We have been greatly encouraged by the Council’s determination and commitment to addressing this issue and reducing its impact on the local environment and business community.
“This collaborative approach is vital to protecting the character of Knightsbridge and the King’s Road, maintaining a welcoming and well-managed public realm, and ensuring a fair and positive trading environment for businesses that operate legally and contribute to the vitality of our district.”
What happened on the patrols?
The additional patrols, carried out by Kingdom Services Group alongside the Council's Street Enforcement Team, operated between 11am and 7pm every day, targeting locations where illegal trading has been a persistent problem.
Officers challenged illegal trading by speaking to sellers, stopping unauthorised activity and confiscating equipment.
More than 50 £150 fines were issued, while officers recorded in excess of 50 occasions where traders failed to engage with them, leading to further fines being prepared.
What are the risks of illegal trading?
Illegal street trading can cause noise and air pollution, create litter, obstruct pavements and roads and raise food safety concerns. It also puts legitimate businesses, which pay for licences and follow the rules, at an unfair disadvantage.
Reporting a problem
You can report concerns for environmental crime and anti-social behaviour online or by calling 020 7361 3001 or emailing [email protected].