Buying strawberries at the side of the road could become a thing of the past in Co Waterford.
Waterford County Council and gardaí are cracking down on roadside traders selling strawberries and other fresh produce in the county.
The council has five areas assigned for casual trading, with permits required at the sites in Tramore, Youghal Bridge, Tallow, Lismore and Ballymacarbry.
Anyone trading outside of these areas is trading illegally and is liable to prosecution. A crackdown is planned.
The acting director of services at Waterford County Council, Mr Martin Walsh, said yesterday that there had been complaints from established local traders.
Mr Walsh explained that on receipt of such complaints, the council contacts gardaí in the relevant area.
"Due to the extensive research needed for us to mount a prosecution, it could take up to a year for an offender to appear in court. It is more effective to call in the gardaí, as an illegal trader is required to leave the area and if they refuse their goods and equipment are confiscated."