No Cold Calling Zone not working due to inadequate signage...

By TGRWorzel | Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 20:09

I've just Emailed Hampshire Trading Standards nccz@hants.gov.uk about the No Cold Calling Zone in St Johns Road and surrounding cul-de-sacs, as it isn't working.

This means you...!

What I said to them was;

I live ..... in the middle of a No Cold Calling Zone, so was surprised to have some cold-callers on my doorstep at 19:45 this evening.

Claiming to be part of a prison release scheme (but quick to assure me that they weren't dangerous) and showing photo-id which could have been anything, they seemed to have big black bags over their shoulder and were attempting to sell stuff. I don't know what as the conversation didn't get that far. They certainly didn't gain entry...

I told them they were in a the middle of a No Cold Calling Zone and there were signs in either direction up & down St Johns Road.

My caller said he'd come through the park (by the Paddling Pool in Hedge End). So that explains everything, as the NCCZ signs simply wouldn't be seen if anybody had come into ...... via that route.

More signs are needed please. The two that we've got locally, in St Johns road are inadequate...

Meanwhile, if anybody else encounters these callers on their doorstep my advice is to say "No thanks". Don't engage in any sort of conversation with them and if feeling threatened or intimidated close the door and call the Police, using the 0845 045 45 45 number as shown on the sign...

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I've just checked that specific point on the Hampshire Trading Standards website, i.e. can politicians call when canvassing? I read that "The zones are not designed to prevent politicians from canvassing for elections, however, residents are under no obligation to speak to anyone at the door and canvassers are encouraged to respect residents' wishes." I further read that the same principle applies to Jehova's Witnesses and Market Researchers...! See http://tinyurl.com/3pusyx7 for fuller details.

By TGRWorzel at 18:38 on 20/06/11
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I quite agree. Cold-calling covers all sorts of things, not just doorstep selling. If you knock on a door trying to make an appointment for somebody else to call, or give a quote for something, its still cold-calling. Technically, I suppose, it would also cover politicians knocking doors at election time...! Hands up everybody who now wants to live in a no cold-calling zone...!!!!

By TGRWorzel at 17:59 on 20/06/11
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Oh yes I've had the "I just want to give you a quote..." thing too. If I remember rightly i was one of the double glazing companies. He got the same treatment as the SKY rep :-) In fact I have also just had reps for Battersea Cats and Dogs home on the doorstep trying to get me to sign up for a monthly donation. Now I am a charitable person and we give to the Cats Protection every month but I get cheesed off with them trying their luck cold calling too! I'll give to charity when I want to not when someone asks for it....

By cazm25 at 14:39 on 20/06/11
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I had the same issue last week, his opening line was the usual "I'm just working in the area....." I pointed out that he was in a no cold calling zone. At which point he said "I'm not selling anything, I just wish to give you a quote". Ah well then that's fine (sarcasm).

By jasonsalkeld at 14:31 on 20/06/11
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I doubt that these signs will work even if there are more of them. I have a 'We do not buy goods or services t the door' sticker quite clearly displayed next to the doorbell out the front and only the other day a SKY rep in a very dodgy suit tried his luck. Either he couldn't read or was so cocky he thought it didn't apply to him and he could sell to anyone. Well, I go with the latter and I have news for him, it didn't and wont ever work!!

By cazm25 at 13:50 on 16/06/11
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