New rules to curb 'chuggers' who harass shoppers

Charities seeking to solicit donations from passers-by are being asked to agree to strict conditions.

There will be a 25 per cent cut in the number of fundraisers allowed to operate in Oxford Street, Bond Street and surrounding streets in the West End. Other changes include ensuring that "comfort zones" are created to ensure shoppers who want to avoid being approached can walk by unhindered.

Chuggers must position themselves three yards from shop fronts. There will also be street-by-street limits on the number of occasions they are allowed to raise funds each week and rules to ensure that fundraisers wear clothing that clearly identifies their role. Some critics believe that overzealous fundraisers are harming the appeal of the West End as a shopping destination.

Daniel Astaire, Westminster's cabinet member for community protection, said: "It is deeply unpleasant for visitors and shoppers to be harangued by a plethora of collectors who often resort to aggressive tactics as they vie with one another to pounce on passers-by. It's no coincidence this has led to the phrase 'chugging', as people do feel as if they're being mugged. Apart from turning a walk down Oxford Street into something of an obstacle course, it must also harm the reputation of those organisations in whose name such tactics are carried out.

"No one can doubt the good intentions of the charities to raise muchneeded funds, but the type of behaviour which has, sadly, become commonplace on our high streets is unacceptable." The new code of conduct has been agreed to voluntarily by the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association. But changes in the law contained in the Charities Act are due to come into force next year which will allow councils to license chuggers and set conditions which will have to be adhered to.