Fireworks can be a controversial subject about which, from time to time, I receive letters from concerned constituents. From the impact that they have on our pets and livestock to the anti-social behaviour they are sometimes seen to facilitate, they certainly cause a great deal of distress for those who have written to me and who have raised particular concerns over their use in areas such as ours, which relies on its wildlife and peaceful countryside to promote our tourism industry.
While for many people the use of fireworks on special occasions is something to be enjoyed, whether that is to mark the 5th of November or to celebrate the wedding of a loved one, for some they are nothing but a disturbance and potential danger.
It goes without saying that they can of course be very dangerous and it is right that the use and sale of them is controlled. Events where fireworks are used should be well planned and safety should be paramount.
Firework regulations allow fireworks for home use to be sold during the traditional firework periods of Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali. Suppliers who wish to sell fireworks outside the traditional periods, for example during the summer wedding period, must comply with stringent conditions before being granted a licence by their local licensing authority. This means the availability and use of fireworks outside the traditional periods has been greatly reduced. The regulations also created a curfew preventing the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am all year round with the exception of 5 November, when the curfew starts at 12 midnight, and New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali, when the curfew starts at 1.00 am on the night of celebration. Excessive noise from fireworks, or noise during the curfew period, can be considered a statutory nuisance and local authority environmental health officers have the power to investigate complaints of fireworks noise and act to prevent it where appropriate.
I also understand concerns about the distress noisy fireworks can cause to pets, livestock and wildlife. This is one of the reasons that there is a noise level limit of 120 decibels on fireworks for home use. The Government recognises, however, that even at this level fireworks noise can be distressing to some animals and refer owners to advice on keeping animals safe during fireworks periods. This is freely available from animal charities, such as the Blue Cross. Although there is some use of fireworks outside the traditional times of the year, the Government believes that the majority of people who use fireworks do so appropriately and have a sensible and responsible attitude towards them. There are no plans at the moment to place further limitations on their use, however, I, with many others, will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that current legislation and guidance is fit for their purpose.
Geoff Cox MP