Fireworks and You..
DID YOU KNOW...?
It is now against the law to carry fireworks in public if you're under 18

Every year the Government runs firework safety campaigns to encourage safe and responsible use of fireworks. You can listen to radio ads, watch television commercials or download posters and guides.

But many people ignore these sensible guidelines and some others impose at lot of unnecessary noise that is not considering the neighbourhood and especially our pets.

The law relating to fireworks has changed from the 1st October 2004. Firework regulations, The Fireworks Act 2004 places restrictions on the use of fireworks and must not be used after 11pm. The majority of the restrictions have come into effect in time for the 2004 fireworks season.

The Legislation

The new legislation has been introduced to help to make fireworks safer to use and to tackle their deliberate misuse. It affects how fireworks are imported, sold, used and places restrictions on possession. It means that fireworks will be safer, less noisy and can only be let off at certain times. It also means that those misusing them to either damage property or injure will be able to be dealt with by the relevant authorities.

Shop Owners will also will have to follow the new laws in particular the sale of the fireworks. Fireworks will only be widely available during the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night and a few days before New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. For the rest of the year, you will only be able to buy fireworks from shops that are licensed to supply them.

Penalties

It is an offence under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875 to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place. The power to enforce this section of the Act rests with the police. Anyone found guilty is liable to pay a fine of up to £5,000. Penalty notices for disorder (on-the-spot fines) can also be issued for this offence, attracting the upper tier fine of £80

Basic Rules

The Firework Act 2003 basic new rules are outlined here, but can be read in full click here.

• You must be over 18 to buy fireworks, except for caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns where the legal age of purchase is 16.
• You can't set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except for on November 5 when you can set them off until midnight and New Year's Eve, Chinese New year and Diwali when they can be set off until 1am.
• It is an offence to throw or set off fireworks in a street or public place and it is also illegal for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in public
• It is an offence for people who aren't firework professionals to buy and possess category 4 fireworks. These are only to be used at public displays by firework professionals.

Problems behind the New Laws..

An hour after the new firework law came into force near us, a series of bangers went off at midnight. The new rule says no fireworks after 11pm, no under 18s to carry fireworks in the street etc. Last year we had postings on the Village Forum about traumatised pets, cowering cats, distressed dogs and deafening bangs at all times of the night, for no good reason other than some careless individuals who think its funny to wake others up. There has also been a nasty trend for people using fireworks as offensive weapons. This legislation is one of Tony's new laws, the theory is fine, but in practice impossible to enforce unless we all abide by the simple rules. How on earth are Police going to trace and catch the culprits who repeatedly break the law?

You can play your part and consider the local villagers and encourage others to abide by the legislation..