Women who pose nearly naked for photos in exchange for cash in Times Square will not be tolerated, New York City's mayor Bill de Blasio has warned.

The practice seems to be on the rise at the busy tourist attraction.

Many of the women wear only body paint and a thong, and charge a few dollars to pose for photos with tourists.

Police say they can do little to stop it, but some local politicians and newspaper editorials are calling for a ban of the practice.

De Blasio said he believes the practice is “wrong”.

He did not specify what action he would take to stop it but says accepting money for posing topless amounts to “a business transaction” that should allow the city some oversight.