Firework Nuisance
Nuisance from Fireworks
Fireworks are being used increasingly in the UK for all sorts of celebrations. They have always been used on occasions such as Diwali, Bonfire night and the Chinese new year, however they are now often also used at weddings, corporate events, anniversary and birthday parties. Along with this there is evidence that due to their greater accessibility they are increasingly being misused to cause anti-social behaviour in the street and damage to property
Legal Controls
The legal measures available to control firework nuisance was a mish mash enforced by the Police, Trading Standards Officers, Environmental Health Officers and Customs and Excise. The substantial increase in complaints about this problem in recent years has clearly shown that the law is not working. However in 2003 a Private Members Bill was taken through Parliament seeking to address this. This became the Fireworks Act and it gives the government the power to introduce new controls over the sale and use of fireworks. The main elements of the new laws are:
It is an offence for under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place other than caps, poppers and sparklers. If caught, the Police do have powers to issue £80 fixed penalty notices.
Banning possession and use of 'category 4' (the most powerful and noisy) fireworks other than by trained professionals.
Imposing a nighttime curfew on the use of fireworks, which are relaxed during times of traditional or religious and cultural events. It is now a criminal offence to let off fireworks between 23.00 and 07.00 other than on "permitted fireworks nights" which are:
5th November, when the curfew is extended to 24.00hours (midnight)
Diwali, when the curfew extends until 01.00
New Years Eve, when the extension extends until 01.00
Chinese New Year, when the extension extends until 01.00
Ban the sale of noisier fireworks capable of 120 decibels or more to the public.
Limiting the sale of fireworks during the year other than by licensed suppliers.
Requiring firework retailers to display signs explaining the new laws.
Requiring importers to inform Customs and Excise of information relating to fireworks movements.
The new powers are enforced by the Police and Trading Standards Officers.
Reporting Firework Nuisance
Incidents of nuisance from fireworks do get investigated. The sad truth is that because these sorts of incidents last for a very short period of time it is almost impossible to put a stop to them when they are occurring. However, where the perpetrator can be identified we do try to stop them from behaving irresponsibly in the future.
Report noise nuisance from fireworks to the Environmental Protection Section of the Council. Contact 01509 634636 or email us at env.health@charnwood.gov.uk
Calls at night and the weekend can be taken by the Councils Lifeline Service who will report the incident to the Environmental Protection Team on the next working day, tel 01509 643979.
Incidents involving use of fireworks in the street should be reported to Leicestershire Police , tel 0116 2222222.
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