BUSKERS and street traders are to be targeted in a crackdown during the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Scottish Government announced today.

Unauthorised traders, burger van operators and illegal advertising will also be outlawed at Games venues next year.

The ban will also extend to George Square and the Merchant City, with the warning that offenders could face court action with hefty fines of up to £20,000.

Hand-picked council workers from Glasgow and the surrounding area will form a team of enforcers who will patrol the streets surrounding all 17 Games venues, under proposals announced by Holyrood.

The temporary regulations will also outlaw ambush marketing where groups of people access events to promote a product by wearing branded T-shirts and handing out fliers, as happened in the last World Cup.

The proposed crackdown follows talks involving representatives of the Scottish Government, the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and local councils.

Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said: "Over 11 days next year, hundreds of thousands of residents, visitors and spectators will enjoy some world class sport and experience a great Glasgow welcome.

"Regulating trading and advertising in the vicinity of the sports arenas ensures that we can protect the character and integrity of the Commonwealth Games and minimise disruption to local people or businesses.

"These regulations will allow Glasgow 2014 to control activity at an appropriate scale that allows the free flow of spectators and traffic to and from the Games venues."

Ty Speer, deputy chief executive of the organising committee, said seminars would be held to help the business community.

He said: "The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is a major opportunity for Scotland and Scottish business to showcase itself to the world.

"Our seminars on the Scottish Government's proposed measures will help ensure that businesses can be clear on what the regulations will mean for them and how they can be part this fantastic event.

"They will also help us strike the right balance between supporting local traders while protecting the integrity of the Glasgow 2014 brand and the rights of those organisations, including our sponsors, who play a key role in making the Commonwealth Games happen."

Jamie Watt, a partner in legal firm Harper Macleod added: "Sponsorship revenue is an essential part of any major modern sporting event. Events simply can't happen without this income, that's why regulations are required – to protect investment and prevent ambush marketing and other activities from diminishing the value of the event to legitimate operators."

The consultation process ends on August 7 with the Scottish Government pointing out that similar regulations were in place during last year's London Olympics.

gordon.thomson @eveningtimes.co.uk