~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~44~RS~)
Street trading reform plans spark warning
Local authorities have previously warned about more relaxed restrictions
Plans to scrap rules on street trading and door-to-door selling in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could expose the public to more rogue traders, the Local Government Association says.
The LGA also says the move could lead to a rise in bogus cold callers "who prey on the elderly and vulnerable".
Ministers say scrapping the "archaic" Pedlars Act of 1871 and reforming laws on static street traders will help entrepreneurs and small traders.
They are now consulting on the plans.
'Free-for-all'The Pedlars Act requires those who wish to "peddle" - travelling by foot and selling goods door to door and place to place - to first get a certificate.
The current legislation requires pedlars to prove they are of "good character" and have a permanent address before police will grant them a 12-month licence.
The coalition also plans to reform laws on static street traders, including removing council powers to refuse an application on the grounds there are already enough traders and shops in a particular area.
Local authorities have previously raised concerns about looser restrictions, warning that an increase in numbers would make it more difficult to monitor traders.
“Start Quote
End Quote Mehboob Khan Local Government AssociationIt could potentially put the public at greater risk of falling victim to rogue traders and rip-off merchants”
Consumer Affairs Minister Jo Swinson said: "The changes we're proposing will help to eliminate barriers to street traders and pedlars by making it easier to trade, boosting retail and helping small traders - including many young entrepreneurs - to expand and grow.
"The Pedlars Act is an archaic law which requires those wishing to peddle to obtain a pedlar's certificate (and pay a fee for this) at a time when small businesses are at the heart of continuing growth in the UK - this is unhelpful and restrictive bureaucracy. These proposed changes will help give a boost to those that trade on the street."
The Local Government Association says the plans would also remove council's powers to refuse applications from street traders based on how many shops and traders are already at work and risk turning high streets into a free for all.
Councillor Mehboob Khan, chairman of its safer and stronger communities board, said: "The work local authorities do to regulate street trading is not just about protecting customers, but ensuring other businesses can prosper too.
"Far from boosting growth and free enterprise, allowing a street trade free-for-all is likely to drive customers away from the high street and create an unlevel playing field where legitimately run shops and market stalls find themselves struggling to compete.
"Scrapping the Pedlars Act is likely to lead to an increase in door-to-door cold calling and could potentially put the public at greater risk of falling victim to rogue traders and rip-off merchants."
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills consultation on the proposals will run until 15 February.
Jail reckless bankers, report urges
Attack follows news of Afghan talks
Jumpstarting Motor City
Baby on board
Warning from history
Coming out in Yemen
Transport in transit
Fast Track
Comment number 295.
Alan T24th November 2012 - 12:45
There should be a distinction between cold callers at people's doors & legitimate street-shops such as market stalls, ice cream vans etc. For the WI or St John's running a cake stall and having to comply with all kinds of rubbish, whilst the selling activities of (eg) double-glazing cos nuisance knocking in hopes of lucking onto a sale is just wrong.
Link to this (Comment number 295)
Comment number 119.
Jackdslipper24th November 2012 - 9:37
Reducing the red tape around street trading is a superb idea. It would be a low cost opportunity for local people.
Once the large market place in my local town was full of local tradesmen offering fresh local fish meats and produce at very good prices. They were joined by clothes, antique, crafts and other specialist stalls.
Now theres one stall left trading
Link to this (Comment number 119)
Comment number 98.
aberguy24th November 2012 - 9:11
I think it's excellent.
There's a life and vibrancy in high streets in many countries thanks to street traders. You can get some excellent deals at these street stals and markets. It's also a low cost way of people starting up in business.
Let's hope the next thing that goes is some of the restrictions on street food selling.
Stalls are much better than Big Issue chuggers and beggers.
Link to this (Comment number 98)
Comment number 42.
Cobbett_Rides_Again24th November 2012 - 8:15
We are continually pestered by sales-people in shops, in the streets of towns, on the phone at home, via email and (other than on the BBC) on television and the web. I have every sympathy for people pushed into doing such thankless, pointless (and usually poorly paid) work because there is nothing productive for them to do. But this harassment should not be even further extended to our doorsteps.
Link to this (Comment number 42)
Comment number 35.
Albanian24th November 2012 - 8:00
My father is 95 and very confused. Unsolicited calls by phone and at the door cause great distress and worry. He is vulnerable even to the most innocent call. This is an unwelcome proposal.
Link to this (Comment number 35)
Comments 5 of 7