In England, public collections on the street are licensed by local authorities. I doubt they'd look too fondly on someone ringing a bell ... bad enough rattling their can or bucket! :(

It can be a little intrusive sometimes Paul, but she was very nice. She is working for the "Salvation Army" (a charitable organization worldwide) and they have been doing this forever. I can only imagine what it must be like going home at night after ringing that bell all day. :-O