Scantily-clad prostitutes in Salerno will now face fines of up to €500 for 'violating urban decorum', a move ushered in by mayor Enzo Napoli following a spike in the number of sex workers in the city centre.

There have also been some cases of sexual encounters with with clients taking place al fresco in the city's squares.

The fines are also a way of trying to deter prostitutues, a spokesperson for Salerno council told The Local.

“Unfortunately, you can't fine somebody for the intention to prostitute – which makes it difficult to counteract the phenomenon,” a spokesperson for Salerno council told The Local.

“Instead, we are encouraging police to fine indiscreet and brazen prostitutes for violating urban decorum.”

By encouraging the scantily dressed women to cover up, it is hoped that they will become less attractive to clients and be less visible to citizens and tourists.

“The recent rise in prostitution has come just as we are expecting our annual influx of foreign visitors, so it's important that we act to protect the reputation of our town,” the spokesperson added.

In Italy – prostitution is not illegal, but pimping, soliciting and brothels all are – meaning street prostitution creates a headache for law enforcement authorities.

In the past, other towns have brought in creative measures to help them crack down on prostitutes such as banning miniskirts and forcing them to wear high visability jackets.

Other cities, such as Rome, have created 'tolerance zones' by setting aside areas of the city where street prostitutes can work without fear of police intervention.