Local Conservatives hope Police will use new powers on Fireworks 25/10/05

Haringey Conservatives are this week reminding the public that the new Fireworks (Safety) Regulations, that followed the 2003 Fireworks Act, are now in force and that breaches of the regulations carry a fine of up to £5,000 for each offence.

The regulations include:

* Ban the sale to the general public of aerial shells, maroons, mortars and "combination" fireworks.

* Ban the supply to the public of bangers, including flash bangers and jumping crackers and Chinese crackers.

* Ban the supply to the public of mini rockets.

* Set 18 as the minimum age for purchasing fireworks.

* Ban retailers from splitting display boxes and selling them individually.

*Introduce curfews on the use of fireworks with specific extensions for certain dates (such as Diwali, Chinese New Year and November 5th) only.

The provisions of the Protection of Animals Act (which also carry the potential for a £5000 fine or six months imprisonment) also remain in force until, possibly, amended by a new Animal Welfare Bill.

Justin Hinchcliffe, Chairman of Tottenham Conservatives, said:

"We trust that the new provisions will lead to an improvement in the protection of the public and of animals, while permitting people to continue to enjoy safe and well-organised public displays such as the Ally Pally annual display.

We know that in the past the irresponsible use of, particularly very loud bangers, has caused distress to the elderly and to animals.  The Guide Dogs’ Association, specifically, has expressed concern over this issue and we know of instances when working assistance dogs have been traumatised by fireworks let off by youths in the street.

We need to get across the very clear message that there are now a number of offences that carry very considerable penalties and that the police no longer have to establish that criminal damage or injury, alarm or distress etc. has actually been committee before taking action.

The police now have the power to stop, search, seize and confiscate fireworks where they have reasonable suspicion that the offences created by the Fireworks Act 2003 are being committed. We hope and believe that these powers will be used, if necessary, in the next couple of weeks".

ENDS.