SOUTHAMPTON has become one of seven places in the country chosen to pilot a new government scheme to crack down on kerb crawlers.

Thanks to a zero-tolerance approach and in partnership with other key agencies in the city, the city's vice investigation team has already reduced the number of prostitutes soliciting on the streets - from 320 in 2003 to just 89 in 2006.

The Home Office campaign, to be launched today, will feature stark reminders to potential kerb crawlers that the price they pay for sex may be more than they bargained for.

High profile adverts will warn that those spotted cruising the streets could face a £1,000 fine, lose their driving licence or job, and bring shame on friends and family.

Special beer mats and posters will be issued to businesses in the affected areas to men from kerb crawling.

Sergeant Belinda D'Orsey, of the Vice Intelligence Team, said the scheme was a pilot trial and could be rolled out across the country.

"This is aimed at men who are thinking of employing the services of a paid prostitute and highlighting what can happen, including the shame of going to court and the risk of losing your driving licence and getting a ban," she said.

For the full story, see today's Daily Echo.