Initially created to deter "chuggers" or "charity muggers" (that's the increasingly aggressive strain of charity fundraisers to you and me), the No Cold Calling Zones are being marked by signs warning door-to-door sales folk to steer clear.

Some of the first zones were set up in Angus in Scotland and Enfield in London, the BBC reported.

The phenomenon is set to spread - according to the Trading Standards Institute, half of the UK's local authorities and five London boroughs are now experimenting with the idea.