WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - West Springfield planned to act against those door-to-door solicitors, who become such an annoyance for homeowners. Western Mass News spoke with a resident dealing with these salespeople with more on what the city is doing about it.

It’s a problem that most have had to deal with, but West Springfield is now taking steps to protect residents.

Does this look familiar? Chances are if you own a house or rent an apartment, you have someone knocking on your door, trying to sell you something. Like West Springfield resident Deana Wesley, who said it’s so common she almost feels targeted, “they’re skipping homes, they’re walking past, and then, even after they ring this doorbell they’re going way off the street. So, it’s not just the soliciting, it’s also a safety concern at this point.”

Wesley is one of many, and why West Springfield recently passed a new ordinance, where commercial solicitors have to now register with the city. A business must receive a ID badge that says they are officially allowed to go door-to-door and have the follow these new guidelines; they’re only allowed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., they are prohibited from any property with “no soliciting signs” and they are required to avoid any registered properties on a “do-not-solicit” registry.

If you don’t want someone knocking on your door like at any given hour, you can now make it clear that you’re not interested. You can register your address on that registry on the West Springfield city’s website.

West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt said that some of these sellers are getting obnoxious and aggressive and believes this will help deter unwelcome guests, “it just gives more protections to residents, so they are more comfortable, knowing who’s coming to their door and who’s not.”

The ordinance stiffly applies to commercial businesses, and not to religious, charitable, or political groups, which are protected under free speech. Wesley said it’s a step in the right direction, “I am aware of it. I did register, and I do plan that now moving forward, if this continues to be an issue, I do plan to reach out and let them know.”

Wesley also said having a doorbell camera can also help in avoiding any interactions with solicitors.

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