Blow for CaRT Chuggers

THE new Pubic Space Protection Order that comes into force on the 2nd October could spell the end for Canal & River Trust 'Chuggers'.

These new rules have been created to clamp down on anti social activities in public places and replace three older Orders into one overall Order that will give local councils far reaching powers, that will include banning Chuggers from their streets.

Charity Muggers

Chuggers — Charity Muggers — is the name given to those who accost the public asking for donations to charities, and have been widely used by CaRT to obtain 'Friends' that make donations to the Trust. With the people doing it originally on mainly a commission basis, prompting more aggressive selling, this has been widely criticised in narrowboatworld not only by individuals accosted, but for failing miserably to reach its targets. (Chugging companies blamed again.)

The practice has created complaints to local councils, so it is most likely that when the new rules come into force many councils will be taking action to have it outlawed in their areas.

The new Order will have teeth, as any infringement will carry an automatic spot fine of between £70 and £100, with refusal to pay leading to court action, which will of course stop an income stream for charities such as CaRT that use the scheme.

Failed

However, as was reported in narrowboatworld the scheme failed miserably to recruit the number of Friends expected using specialist chugging companies, so the Trust decided to 'go it alone' using individuals as part-time Chuggers at a set wage of £10 an hour for  four to five hour shifts.

CaRT now also have them patrolling the towpaths accosting the walkers and stopping cyclists, but for some obscure reason seems to believe that it might confuse potential recruits by calling towpaths by their proper name, so they are now known as 'footpath fundraisers'!

But come the come Order, and as the towpaths are open to the public, and so a public place, they could still be subjected to the spot fine should they been seen accosting and be reported.