Credit curfew can save us from ourselves after dark

A Different View with Dave O’Connell

There was a recent call in the UK for a ‘credit curfew’ to help late-night borrowers by restricting their access to ‘payday’ loan websites after dark.

The researchers at Newcastle University claimed that banning borrowers from accessing high-cost credit websites between 11pm and 7am would ease the numbers of people spiralling into debt – because activity peaks during these twilight hours.

And while we may not be accessing payday loan websites – or electronic loan sharks, as I prefer to see them – there isn’t one among us who hasn’t made a stupid purchase during the hours of darkness.

Remember those K-Tel albums of rock classics that used to pop up on the telly late at night – four CDs with all the monster hits of the seventies or eighties for just £24.99 plus postage and packaging?

Who wouldn’t want to relive the smash hits of Sweet or Smokie or Rod Stewart once again – all in a special plastic box that, you discovered in the cold light of morning, couldn’t actually fit through your letter box?

Who among us hasn’t purchased a revolutionary floor mop that takes the pain out of cleaning by all-but-pushing the dirt into the bin on its own?

The middle of the night is also the best time for great value on a set of electric garage doors, conservatories, miracle stain removers, things to get the fluff off your coat . . . it’s a whole world of wonder and you can get it on your credit card without leaving your seat.

The fact that you might have just come back from a good night in the pub was the icing on the cake – because everyone is a little more free and easy with the credit card after half a dozen pints.

Back in the day, you still had to sober up enough to ring the special phone number, give your card details and your address to ensure that your mop/miracle wipe/box set of CDs would wing its way to your door.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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