Tourists sitting on Spanish Steps face fines of between €250 and €400.

Sitting on the staircase at Rome's Spanish Steps has been banned, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

The move is reportedly part of the raft of strict new regulations which recently became available to the city's local police force.

The 18th-century steps, known as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, are classified as a monument, meaning that sitting or lying on them is prohibited.

Those caught in breach of the new ban face a fine of €250, which can rise to €400 if the steps are dirtied or damaged, according to ANSA.

In 2015 the steps underwent a €1.5-million restoration, funded by luxury jeweller Bulgari.

The baroque-style stairway, which comprises 136 travertine steps, connects Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church above.