MP Welcomes New Fireworks Regulations

Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard has welcomed the introduction of new curbs on fireworks, following the passage last year of the Fireworks Act. The latest regulations have just come into force, and bring in new penalties for the misuse of fireworks.

“It will now be an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to possess adult fireworks, which means any fireworks except party poppers and sparklers, in a public place. There is also now a curfew on fireworks being let off later than 11pm, except on a handful of specified days, such as 5^th November, when the curfew begins at midnight. A maximum noise level has been imposed on all fireworks which can be sold to the general public, and it will be illegal to sell adult fireworks to anyone under 18.”

“I hope these regulations will make a real difference to the nuisance which fireworks had become. As from now the Police will have the power to issue a fixed penalty notice of £80 to anyone breaching the curfew, or to under 18s with fireworks in a public place. It is an offence as well to throw or set off fireworks in the street, and a fixed penalty notice can be issued for this offence.”

“In January the law will be tightened up again to require anyone selling fireworks all the year round to be licensed, and these will usually be the suppliers for commercial displays. Anyone else who sells fireworks will only be allowed to sell them for very limited periods, just before 5^th November, and a few other festivals. We need to ensure now that the laws are enforced, and that those irresponsible and thoughtless people who have caused so much annoyance from firework use realise that they have to change their behaviour.”

October 2004

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