The National Market Traders' Federation has welcomed government plans to drive rogue stallholders out of town. NMTF president Mimi Rivington said dodgy dealers were able to get away with damaging the reputation of market traders because of red tape. The prosecution process and revoking trading licences can take years. The parliamentary report recommends giving the Office of Fair Trading sharper teeth to enforce existing legislation efficiently. It encourages trade associations to adopt voluntary codes of practice, such as the NMTF's market charter which is used by 60 local authorities and private markets. Rivington said: "The National Shoppers' Charter together with any new powers the OFT might gain may make sure that rogue traders think twice before setting up on traditional markets." {{NEWS }}