Loud fireworks will be banned, the government has announced today (Image: Getty)
A proposed ban on loud fireworks has been announced by the government today as part of a consultation over their use.
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has announced prospective law changes to ban the use of ‘extremely loud’ fireworks by the general public, limiting them to only professional displays.
It says the move is to reduce the impact of fireworks on pets, families and wildlife, particularly when set off without warning in residential areas.
It said that ‘concerns’ about excessively noisy fireworks have been ‘consistently raised’ by local residents, charities, emergency services and animal welfare organisations.
It adds that loud fireworks can cause ‘severe distress’ to pets, livestock and wildlife, with conservation groups warning that sudden explosions can cause panic, injuries and deaths among animals.
The consultation proposes ‘targeted reforms’ to reduce the noise and risks associated with fireworks by restricting the loudest fireworks to professional use only. Further proposals include reviewing the banned list of pyrotechnic products and considering updates to the requirements for lower risk products.
Chloe Mackay, CEO of Combat Stress, said: “Fireworks can be triggering for veterans. The sudden loud noises, unexpected flashes and the smell of lingering smoke can bring back painful and traumatic memories of combat. It’s no surprise that we see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our services during firework season.
“Tighter restrictions on how and when fireworks can be used would go a huge way to limiting the distress of those affected, allowing them to better plan and prepare strategies in order to cope.”
Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns Manager for Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said: “Having campaigned for improved fireworks regulations after tragically losing three of our own rescued horses due to loud fireworks, Redwings knows the scale of distress, suffering and risk to life that fireworks cause every year, not only to horses, but to the people around them. In our survey of more than 5,000 UK horse owners, over 95% told us they wanted to see tighter fireworks regulations, with loud bangs cited as the most significant risk factor.
“We therefore warmly welcome the news today that the Government will be consulting with the public on this issue and would encourage animal lovers everywhere to participate and have their say on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.
“These proposals aim to tackle the biggest concerns raised by the public – particularly noise and antisocial behaviour – while protecting cherished traditions and organised displays that bring communities together.”
Kate Dearden, Minister for Consumer Protection, added: “Extremely loud fireworks used by individuals at all hours of the day and night has become a nightmare for many communities in recent years. The sound of large explosions on residential streets is a cause of fear, disrupted sleep, and does huge harm to our beloved pets. It is a practice that also often goes alongside wider forms of anti-social behaviour.
“Fireworks used properly are great fun, and we want the professional displays which bring communities together to continue. That’s why we’re 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 will crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect Britain’s pets.”
Loud fireworks will be banned, the government has announced today (Image: Getty)
A proposed ban on loud fireworks has been announced by the government today as part of a consultation over their use.
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has announced prospective law changes to ban the use of ‘extremely loud’ fireworks by the general public, limiting them to only professional displays.
It says the move is to reduce the impact of fireworks on pets, families and wildlife, particularly when set off without warning in residential areas.
It said that ‘concerns’ about excessively noisy fireworks have been ‘consistently raised’ by local residents, charities, emergency services and animal welfare organisations.
It adds that loud fireworks can cause ‘severe distress’ to pets, livestock and wildlife, with conservation groups warning that sudden explosions can cause panic, injuries and deaths among animals.
The consultation proposes ‘targeted reforms’ to reduce the noise and risks associated with fireworks by restricting the loudest fireworks to professional use only. Further proposals include reviewing the banned list of pyrotechnic products and considering updates to the requirements for lower risk products.
Chloe Mackay, CEO of Combat Stress, said: “Fireworks can be triggering for veterans. The sudden loud noises, unexpected flashes and the smell of lingering smoke can bring back painful and traumatic memories of combat. It’s no surprise that we see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our services during firework season.
“Tighter restrictions on how and when fireworks can be used would go a huge way to limiting the distress of those affected, allowing them to better plan and prepare strategies in order to cope.”
Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns Manager for Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said: “Having campaigned for improved fireworks regulations after tragically losing three of our own rescued horses due to loud fireworks, Redwings knows the scale of distress, suffering and risk to life that fireworks cause every year, not only to horses, but to the people around them. In our survey of more than 5,000 UK horse owners, over 95% told us they wanted to see tighter fireworks regulations, with loud bangs cited as the most significant risk factor.
“We therefore warmly welcome the news today that the Government will be consulting with the public on this issue and would encourage animal lovers everywhere to participate and have their say on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.
“These proposals aim to tackle the biggest concerns raised by the public – particularly noise and antisocial behaviour – while protecting cherished traditions and organised displays that bring communities together.”
Kate Dearden, Minister for Consumer Protection, added: “Extremely loud fireworks used by individuals at all hours of the day and night has become a nightmare for many communities in recent years. The sound of large explosions on residential streets is a cause of fear, disrupted sleep, and does huge harm to our beloved pets. It is a practice that also often goes alongside wider forms of anti-social behaviour.
“Fireworks used properly are great fun, and we want the professional displays which bring communities together to continue. That’s why we’re 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 will crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect Britain’s pets.”
Loud fireworks will be banned, the government has announced today (Image: Getty)
A proposed ban on loud fireworks has been announced by the government today as part of a consultation over their use.
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has announced prospective law changes to ban the use of ‘extremely loud’ fireworks by the general public, limiting them to only professional displays.
It says the move is to reduce the impact of fireworks on pets, families and wildlife, particularly when set off without warning in residential areas.
It said that ‘concerns’ about excessively noisy fireworks have been ‘consistently raised’ by local residents, charities, emergency services and animal welfare organisations.
It adds that loud fireworks can cause ‘severe distress’ to pets, livestock and wildlife, with conservation groups warning that sudden explosions can cause panic, injuries and deaths among animals.
The consultation proposes ‘targeted reforms’ to reduce the noise and risks associated with fireworks by restricting the loudest fireworks to professional use only. Further proposals include reviewing the banned list of pyrotechnic products and considering updates to the requirements for lower risk products.
Chloe Mackay, CEO of Combat Stress, said: “Fireworks can be triggering for veterans. The sudden loud noises, unexpected flashes and the smell of lingering smoke can bring back painful and traumatic memories of combat. It’s no surprise that we see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our services during firework season.
“Tighter restrictions on how and when fireworks can be used would go a huge way to limiting the distress of those affected, allowing them to better plan and prepare strategies in order to cope.”
Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns Manager for Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said: “Having campaigned for improved fireworks regulations after tragically losing three of our own rescued horses due to loud fireworks, Redwings knows the scale of distress, suffering and risk to life that fireworks cause every year, not only to horses, but to the people around them. In our survey of more than 5,000 UK horse owners, over 95% told us they wanted to see tighter fireworks regulations, with loud bangs cited as the most significant risk factor.
“We therefore warmly welcome the news today that the Government will be consulting with the public on this issue and would encourage animal lovers everywhere to participate and have their say on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.
“These proposals aim to tackle the biggest concerns raised by the public – particularly noise and antisocial behaviour – while protecting cherished traditions and organised displays that bring communities together.”
Kate Dearden, Minister for Consumer Protection, added: “Extremely loud fireworks used by individuals at all hours of the day and night has become a nightmare for many communities in recent years. The sound of large explosions on residential streets is a cause of fear, disrupted sleep, and does huge harm to our beloved pets. It is a practice that also often goes alongside wider forms of anti-social behaviour.
“Fireworks used properly are great fun, and we want the professional displays which bring communities together to continue. That’s why we’re 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 will crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect Britain’s pets.”