Neil McGovern, Executive Councillor for Customer Services and Resources, launched the code on Saturday at the Guildhall. Councillor McGovern commented:

“I welcome this initiative and the positive response from the punt operators, showing their commitment to uphold the values of best practice in the punting industry”

The increase in touting activity in the centre of Cambridge has been a cause for concern to residents and visitors in recent years. The vast majority of touts in the centre of Cambridge are associated with businesses operating from Garret Hostel Lane.

As of April 1, The Conservators of the River Cam will only grant commercial punt licenses to businesses operating from identified punt stations, those being:

• Granta Mill Pond

• Mill Pit west

• Mill Pit east

• Trinity College frontage

• Quayside

• “La Mimosa”

Companies operating from these identified stations have agreed a code of conduct to promote best practice when touting for business. The code includes an agreed touting area for each company, specifies a limit to the number of touts and also sets out standards of behaviour when dealing with members of the public.

Although the code is voluntary, all companies have indicated their willingness to sign, after which they will be able to display a symbol to publicise that they have agreed to adhere to the code.