The newsstands that dot New York City’s sidewalks would be able to stock pricier items under a City Council proposal. It would double a more than decade-old limit from $5 to $10.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn and colleagues announced the measure Monday. They say it would let newsstands keep up with rising prices and sell items that are increasingly in demand, such as cellphone chargers, headphones and camera batteries.

Newsstands are a venerable part of the streetscape in on-the-go New York, selling publications, candy, umbrellas and other items.

But the numbers have dropped over time. A newsstand owners’ group says there once were nearly 1,600 of the sidewalk kiosks. There are now around 300.

The price limit was raised from $2 to $5 in 2002.

(AP)