From time to time people ask me to support their anti-junk mail petition. Much as I appreciate such efforts, I usually ignore these requests.

A central opt-in system for paper directories is "an interesting idea" and would help "reduce the burden on resources and the environmental impact of phone books", government has said.

A petition for an opt-in system for paper directories organised by online directory 192.com has attracted 12,129 signatures. At the same time a similar campaign in Holland is gaining momentum.

Government today responded to Stop Junk Mail's petition for an easier and more effective system for opting out of junk mail, stating it currently has "no plans to take measures to restrict" junk mail.