Tough rules ban 'chuggers' from hassling city shoppers

CHARITY muggers have been banned from hassling shoppers on Princes Street in the first move of its kind in Scotland.

A new code of conduct has been drawn up which the so-called "chuggers" will have to abide by or risk being thrown off their pitch.

The rules are set to go further, with ongoing negotiations over restricting the number of days they are allowed to operate in the city centre and the number permitted on the street at any one time.

It is hoped the new rules, which have been agreed between city centre management company Essential Edinburgh and the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA), will improve the image of charity collectors and reduce complaints about the worst chuggers deterring customers from city centre shops.

As well as setting out specific areas where they can collect, the code of conduct also means collectors must make sure their position doesn't "impede members of the public" and that they do not block shop entrances.

They will have to ensure they never say or do anything that could pressurise or harass people, and tell anyone who agrees to make a donation that they are being paid to collect for charity.

The agreement will also formalise existing arrangements which mean all collectors must carry appropriate identification and wear distinctive clothing.

Liz McAreavey, interim chief executive of Essential Edinburgh, said: "The agreement with the PFRA ensures that the right for charities to raise funds is balanced by the rights of people to go about their business without feeling harassed or pressurised. It also means that those who do feel they are being treated or approached inappropriately can contact the PFRA with their complaint and this will be investigated.

"The PFRA will also carry out spot checks of their own to ensure their code of conduct is being met.

"We have no desire to try to stop charities fundraising face-to-face, provided it is carried out in a way that does not stop others from going about their business without harassment and provided it does not deter people from visiting shops and businesses in the city centre."

Gareth Jack, supervisor at Fopp Records in Rose Street, welcomed the move.

He said: "They are fairly regular on Rose Street and they can sometimes be pressuring people a bit.

"It just depends on how people with the clipboards are operating."Sometimes they're jokingly following people down the road and the concern is that it can put people off coming in the street."

The new regulations were also welcomed by city centre councillor Charles Dundas.

He said: "My biggest concern was the fact that those people on the street with clipboards were unregulated, while if someone was there shaking a tin it was regulated by the council, so it's closing a loophole.

"It's not a matter of trying to cut down on the number of people collecting, it's just about trying to control it. If nothing else, people have now got somebody to complain to if they've got concerns about it."

The PFRA has already agreed similar site management schemes with more than 40 councils in England and Wales, but this agreement is the first of its kind in Scotland.

A spokesman for the PFRA said: "This agreement will benefit charities as they will know where and when they can collect, and also benefits traders and the council as it means any concerns can be reported directly to ourselves."