The websites of more than 100 payday loan firms have been blocked from computers in libraries and council buildings across Dundee.
The city council has been leading a crackdown on high-interest lenders, and IT staff are now in the process of sealing off the websites of loan firms.
The move is designed to prevent people from applying for payday loans in community centres, libraries and other council buildings.
Council leader Ken Guild said more than 100 websites had already been blocked, with action ongoing to identify and seal off the websites of high-interest lenders.
He said: “We are trying our best to block access to sites which promise solutions to people but bring only more misery and heartache.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people that the Discovery Credit Union is available for simple saving accounts, low-interest loans and free life insurance.”
The council agreed to write to the Scottish and UK governments, calling for a cap on interest rates and for extra support for people with large debts to payday lenders.
Councillors also agreed to look into using planning legislation to stop high-interest loan firms from setting up on the high street.
Independent councillor Ian Borthwick welcomed the move to ban the websites from library computers in particular, as many people in need of payday loans do not have internet access at home.
He said: “I’ve heard from my constituents, it’s not just adults quite often children are affected too, as people need the money to buy food, it’s not for luxury items.
“I think the situation will worsen now they’re making changes to the benefit system, which will put additional pressure on families.
“As a council we can only do so much it needs some government action.”
A council spokesman said the move was design to “discourage” people from using loan sites with “massive” interest rates.