New campaign to clampdown on chuggers

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A NEW best practice regime for 'chuggers' came into force yesterday (Monday) which could see those breaching the rules fined for their unacceptable behaviour.

The scheme, introduced by the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA), rules that the collectors must not follow a person for more than three steps or stand within three metres of a shop doorway, cashpoint, pedestrian crossing or station entrance.

It also deems they do not sign up anyone for a direct debit who is unable to give their 'informed consent' - whether that be through illness, disability, drink or drugs.

And, the final rule is that they do not approach any members of the public who are working - such as tour guides or newspaper vendors.

This 'sterner' approach builds on the Institute of Fundraising's code of practice and it is hoped it will prevent people being followed down the street by the collectors.

Under the system, breaches of the best practice regime will lead to penalty points of 20, 50 and 100 being incurred, depending on the level of breach.

Then, once the organisation is through the 1,000-point barrier, they will be fined £1 per point.

All money collected will be used for further compliance and enforcement action, including some undercover 'mystery customer' approaches.

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