Homeless people could be fined for sleeping rough in many of central London's parks and gardens.

Westminster Council is trying to introduce a by-law stopping people spending the night in its open spaces.

Those caught in banned areas would be reported by police or council officers and fined up to �500.

Officials say they are justified in taking action because the council already provides beds for rough sleepers and aggressive beggars threaten residents.

Official rough sleeper figures, June 2002

London: 328 Westminster: 169 Camden: 28 Lambeth: 12

Under the by-law, a list of parks, squares and open spaces will be out of bounds to rough sleepers.

Among the areas included on the list is Westminster Cathedral Piazza, which the council estimates is used by up to 20 sleepers a night.

Westminster's director of social and community services Julie Jones said: "This is not a drive to curb rough sleeping.

"It is a drive to reclaim the piazza for Westminster residents and those visiting and using the cathedral."

But some homeless charities say the move is draconian and will put pressure on already-overcrowded hostels in the borough.

Malcolm Walters, who runs the Salvation Army hostel in Westminster, told BBC London: "My immediate question is where will they get the money from to pay the fine?

"The only alternative would be prison for non-payment."

The by-law has been approved by a council committee but cannot be enforced until it is formally passed by the council.

It will then have to be approved by the deputy prime minister.