No Cold Calling Zones are a new initiative in South Gloucestershire being led by Trading Standards with the support of Avon and Somerset Police, in a bid to reduce rogue trader activity and associated crimes such as distraction burglaries.
What is a No Cold Calling Zone?
A No Cold Calling Zone is a designated area where the residents have collectively chosen to say they do not want uninvited callers (or cold callers) knocking at their door.
Why introduce the Zones?
Research has shown a link between cold calling and doorstep crime, such as distraction burglary and rogue trader activity (for example bogus roof repairs and substandard driveway paving).
Fortunately these types of crime are not common, however, it is important to continue with such preventative and educational projects.
How will the Zones work?
The Zones have three elements - to deter the cold caller - by placing overt signage at the entrances to the roads; to empower the householder to say “no” to cold callers - by providing information and support; and to enable South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards and the Police to provide a response to reports of cold calling as soon as possible and enable the enforcement of legislation and collection of intelligence.
Will they stop all callers?
No - those on legitimate business, such as regular callers, utilities, charity collectors, religious canvassers, political canvassers etc, should not be deterred. The Zones are also not designed to prevent leaflet or catalogue distributions.
Are they successful?
Zones established in South Gloucestershire and across the UK have proven successful and residents have reported a reduction in instances of cold calling, an increase in their confidence and assertiveness, and a significant reduction in the fear of crime.
How do I apply for a No Cold Calling Zone?
To apply for a Zone, please download the attached information sheet and application form and return it to Trading Standards. This form must be completed in full and with as much information as possible to ensure your application is assessed accurately. This assessment will help identify those areas that are a high priority. If your area is considered to be a low priority then we will not be able to proceed with the application. We have had to take this approach due to the high number of requests we have received and to safeguard the integrity of those Zones we do introduce.
Whether an application is considered a high or low priority is the decision of South Gloucestershire Trading Standards. Full details of the application and assessment process can be found in the attached Information sheet.
Please note, due to the number of applications received and current operations pressures, we are unable to process any completed application form received until the Spring of 2012.
For further details, please contact Trading Standards.
Current No Cold Calling Zones:
In Yate: Walton Heath, Ferndown, St Andrews, Estoril,Turnberry, Nailsworth Avenue, Hoylake, Troon, Sandy Lodge, Sunningdale, Muirfield & Blakeney Mills
In Bradley Stoke: Cooks Close
In Stoke Gifford : Simmonds View & Elizabeth Crescent
In Hanham: Kings Drive, Kings Avenue, Queens Drive, Gays Road, Marion Road, Heath Road, Avon View & The Glen.
In Downend: Oakdale Avenue & Oakdale Court.
In Filton: Nutfield Grove & Mackie Road.
In Chipping Sodbury: Melbourne Drive.
In Frampton Cottrell: Church Road (part of).
In Mangotsfield: Mangotsfield Rd, Louise Av, Morley Av, Chestnut Ct, Charnhill Ridge, Charnhill Brow, Charnhill Drive & Charnwood.
In Longwell Green: Moorcroft Drive area, Orchard Boulevard area and Berenda Drive area.