Cold Calling
Posted by Concerned resident on Friday, 23rd April 2010, 17:48
Can somebody tell me if what I heard last night is true.
I was told the cold calling zones that have been set up on the Island do not carry any legal protection.
This means Joe Bloggs turns up trying to sell you, say, fresh carrots – he is not breaking any law and cannot be prosecuted and can’t be told to stop doing the rest of the road.
If this is true and the person who told me this is usually correct, what’s the point of the signs and notices.
I would be pleased to get a reply.
Concerned resident.
4 Responses to “Cold Calling”
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Parish Council
Thank you GC,
Your advise to me and others perhaps thinking the same way is most welcome and if the need arises again I have made a note of the names and numbers and will follow the course of action you have suggested.
Concerned Resident.
Concerned Resident, I understand your worries regarding the ad-hoc callers at your door, however the vast majority are usually from large organisations and they can be ‘warned off’ Cold Calling Area’s by Trading Standards.
Door Step Cold Calling
Once known as ‘Door to Door Selling’ this is now a practice that – although not illegal it is frowned upon. If you have been on the receiving end of such door step cold calling then you will be aware of how distressing it can be – especially if you live alone or are of a vulnerable disposition.
The Isle of Wight Trading Standards Service, in partnership with other agencies, is supporting Parish and Town Councils to create No Cold Calling Zones on the Island. The objective is to enable residents to look after themselves on their own doorsteps and to identify vulnerable residents who need support.
Your best course of action is not to open the door and should the individual leave any literature then you should contact the organisation on whose behalf the caller is acting and request that they stop.
If they continue with the practice it is recommended that you contact Trading Standards and make a formal complaint.
My best advice is to speak to IOW Neighbourhood Watch… Telephone: 01983 281250 ask for John Pullen.
He is a local Parish Councillor and will help you with your concerns.
GC Northwood.
Thanks for the information GC. I am still not sure if a hawker/seller is breaking any law though. I realise they can be reported but other than being told to stop are they actually breaking a bylaw or criminal law and can be arrested or given an on the spot fine. It just seems many laws that have been made recently are never policed and I hope this is not going to be one as strangers at the door are always worrying for a great many people.
Concerned Resident.
Cold Calling Zones were set up to prevent circumstances such as outlined in the above post.
If ‘Concerned Resident’ has details of who called at her premises or the company, they can contact
Trading Standards at IOW Council. Tele: 01983 823396 who will be pleased to assist in this matter.
Another avenue to seek advice is via IOW Neighbourhood Watch (who were partners in setting up cold calling zones)
Tele: 01983 281250 ask for Mr John Pullen.
Hope this helps
GC. Northwood