Public encouraged to report ice cream vans still operating in Leeds

Leeds City Council is encouraging members of the public to report any ice cream vans that visit their area during the current period of government restrictions.

Over the past couple of days, the council has received a number of reports of ice cream vans still operating across the city.

To operate an ice cream van at any time, vendors need a licence. The council has confirmed that all ice cream van vendors that hold licences have now stopped trading in line with the new government guidelines. This means that any ice cream van operating at present is doing so illegally.

Anyone who spots an ice cream van operating is encouraged to report it to markets@leeds.gov.uk. If possible, they should include the time, date and registration number of the van.

Fixed penalty fines can be issued to vendors who continue to operate illegally.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said:

“These are incredibly challenging times for us all and we need to work together as a city to make a difference and save lives. We know this isn’t easy, but ice cream vans are not essential and this unnecessary contact is putting more people at risk. Any vans operating now are also doing so without a licence which is against the law and could result in them receiving a fine. We all need to take the government guidance very seriously in order to get through this and we encourage any person who sees an ice cream van operating to report it as soon as possible.”

ENDS

For media enquiries:

Becky Stubbs, Leeds City Council press office

Tel: 01133786199

Email: rebecca.stubbs@leeds.gov.uk