There is growing concern among us regarding the unrestricted use of fireworks. Having experienced the fear firsthand that they generate within animals, both domestic and wild, very young children, and those with asthma and COPD make this issue deeply personal. Fireworks are not just delightful spectacles of colorful lights which dot the sky, they are also a source of great distress and health hazards. The noise they generate has been linked to anxiety, terror, and physical harm to those mentioned above.

Furthermore, fireworks are known to emit toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. Certain types of fireworks can reach sound levels exceeding 175 dbA, with Large Aerial Shells registering between 150–175 db, and Salute Batteries between 150–180 dbA.

It is, therefore, a crucial public health and safety issue that demands immediate attention. We call for legislation that makes it a criminal offense to set off any and all variants of fireworks in open public spaces. Also, fireworks in controlled and private areas should be permitted only between 18:00 to 22:00. Additionally, a noise limit of 120 dBA at the approved distance should be enforced on fireworks.

Let's push for laws that respect everyone's right to peace, health and environmental sustainability. Please sign the petition.

Since they are explosives, there are strict rules in place regulating the sale, possession and use of fireworks.

The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 deals with the safety of fireworks as a consumer product. 

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must not place, or make available, fireworks on the market in Great Britain unless they conform with certain requirements. These requirements include meeting essential safety provisions, conformity attestation against relevant tests, and correct application of the CE or new UKCA mark.

To promote consumer safety, the 2015 Regulations categorise fireworks according to their net explosive content, discharge safety distances, noise level.

Category F1 fireworks present a low hazard and are intended for use in confined areas, they must not be sold to anyone under the age of 16. Categories F2 and F3 fireworks present a low to medium hazard and are intended for outdoor use, they are on general sale to the public but must not be sold to anyone under 18.

Category F4 fireworks present a high hazard and can only be supplied to persons with specialist knowledge (a pyrotechnician).

The Fireworks Regulations is designed to tackle the anti-social use of fireworks. Since January 2005, the sale of fireworks to the public is prohibited except from licensed traders. However, unlicensed traders can sell fireworks:

·       On the first day of the Chinese New Year (28 January) and the three days immediately preceding it.

·       On the day of Diwali (1 November 2024 / 20 October 2025) and the three days immediately preceding it.

·       During the period beginning on 15 October and ending on 10th November (Bonfire Night celebrations).

·       During the period beginning on 26 December and ending on 31 December (New Year celebrations).

The Fireworks Regulations of 2004 stats it an offence to use fireworks after 11pm and before 7am without permission (except on permitted fireworks nights when the times are extended - midnight).

Fireworks can be illegally sold on the black market. It is of great concern that a ban on the sale of fireworks could lead to an increase in black-market fireworks. This is because authorities would lose the ability to track the sale, storage, and import of fireworks. Industry figures have also claimed that a Fireworks Bill could lead to a black market with more injuries and deaths.

This petition is not advocating a total ban on the sale of fireworks but an improved control of their distribution and control of use after all it is why these Regulations were legalised.

Please sign the petition. Thank You

14 November 2024, 01:57 GMT

Edinburgh Zoo's baby red panda has died from stress caused by fireworks on Bonfire Night, according to veterinary experts.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said three-month-old Roxie choked on her own vomit as pyrotechnics were being set off across the city.

Roxie's mother Ginger also died unexpectedly five days earlier, and vets say they cannot rule out this also being linked to firework noise.

Updated & Sent on Wednesday 20 November 2024 18:15

[Gareth Thomas, MP, Harrow West]
[Constituency Office, 132 Blenheim Road], West Harrow, HA2 7AA
[ghareth.thomas.mp@parliament.uk] 

[Councillor Paul Osborn]
[Conservative Group Office, PO Box 1358, Harrow, HA3 3QN]
[paul.osborn@harrow.gov.uk] 

Dear Mr Thomas and Mr Osborn,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you in your capacities as our Member of Parliament and local Councillor, respectively, to address a matter of significant concern to many constituents in our community: the control and enhanced regulation of fireworks.

As you are likely aware, the current regulations regarding fireworks usage do not adequately address the safety and wellbeing of our residents, particularly in urban settings. The use of fireworks, while a source of enjoyment for some, often leads to distressing situations for others, including pets, vulnerable individuals, and those suffering from anxiety or PTSD. Moreover, the risks associated with unsupervised fireworks have raised serious concerns regarding public safety.

To demonstrate the importance of this issue to our community, we have organised a petition that has garnered the support of over 3750 residents who are calling for immediate legislative changes. The petition outlines several key proposals, including:

Stricter regulations on the sale and use of fireworks to ensure that they are used safely and responsibly.
Designated times and locations for fireworks displays to minimize disturbances.
Greater public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the impacts of fireworks on public health and safety.
Enclosed with this letter, you will find a copy of the petition, which reflects the overwhelming support from our community for enhanced controls surrounding the use of fireworks. We respectfully urge you to take this petition into consideration and advocate for change at the parliamentary level.

We believe that it is essential for our community to be able to celebrate culturally significant events without compromising the safety and peace of those around us. We hope that you will champion this cause and work towards implementing more robust regulations on fireworks for the benefit of all residents.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your response and hope to collaborate on initiatives that promote the safety and wellbeing of our community.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Robert Kerr