Charity collectors faced tough government curbs today after complaints that they hassle pedestrians and mislead donors about where their money goes.

The clampdown applies to "charity muggers", known as "chuggers", who stop people in the street to ask for direct debit pledges.

Last year chuggers coaxed 700,000 donors into pledging £240 million to charities over the next five years. About 100 charities hire chuggers to boost revenues. Although one high-street fundraiser can cost as much as £100 a day, charities say they are good value.

Is it just me, or where I live, or are there far more people demanding our attention in the street these days? This week I needed to walk from Tottenham Court Road tube in London, along Oxford Street, then north up Regent Street to the BBC. On the way I counted all the people who accosted me. There was a busker in the tube, two beggars … and no fewer than three "chuggers" which, I gather, is the term for charity muggers, those people with clipboards who want you to sign a standing order for their good cause.