Douglas Alexander MP is urging residents with concerns about anti-social fireworks use, which can cause distress to local veterans, disrupt working people and terrify pets and young children, to respond a major new review of fireworks legislation.
The call comes after the UK Government launched a 12-week consultation on the issue, the largest review of fireworks legislation since it was first introduced.
Through this review, families, children and their pets will be able to go about their day with less disturbance, whilst still ensuring residents can enjoy fireworks safely and as part of the community and cultural celebrations they play a part in.
While some elements of pyrotechnics law are devolved, this consultation is seeking views on implementing changes across all four nations of the UK, which is why the government is gathering evidence on a UK-wide basis.
Douglas Alexander MP said:
“The misuse of extremely loud fireworks at all hours of the day and night has become a nightmare for many communities in recent years, causing fear, disrupted sleep, and harm to pets.
“It’s also a practice that often goes alongside other anti-social behaviour and has increasingly posed a danger to firefighters, police officers and other public servants.
“When used responsibly fireworks can bring great enjoyment, and the government want the organised and licensed public displays which bring communities together to continue.
“That’s why this review is looking to limit the sale of loud fireworks only to these displays, and take them out of the hands of those who use them irresponsibly.”
This review will ask respondents to comment on:
- Restricting the availability of the noisiest fireworks, with louder products only being available to professional displays.
- Increasing the number of products that are banned due to unacceptable risk to communities, under Regulation 33 of the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015.
- Reviewing the wider regulatory framework for fireworks classified as ‘lower risk’, to ensure that the law accurately reflects the different levels of risk that they pose.
Details for the consultation on fireworks and pyrotechnics in the UK and how to respond can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk