For immediate use 19/10/2004

             

ALAN KEEN MP BACKS NEW FIREWORKS INITIATIVE

CALLS ON POLICE TO USE £80 FINES FOR FIREWORK YOBS

 

Alan Keen MP has backed new laws coming into force this week that mean yobs misusing fireworks will face £80 on the spot fines, as new police powers come into force.

 

Starting this week, the police will be able to use Fixed Penalty Notices to deal with individuals setting off fireworks at night, youngsters caught with fireworks, and adults found with high-powered display fireworks. And it will now be illegal for youngsters to carry adult fireworks in a public place.

 

Offenders who refuse to pay the £80 fine will face an increased fine and court action.  For the most serious fireworks offences, the police will retain the power to prosecute offenders with penalties of a £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison.

 

Alan Keen MP said:

 

“Many parents in the local area know that in the wrong hands fireworks can be very dangerous.

I’ve heard of cases where families have been disturbed late at night, children have been threatened by fireworks or elderly relatives felt trapped inside their homes.

 

“That’s why we need to make sure that fireworks are enjoyed safely not endured in silence.

 

“The new offences that come into force this week give the police the power to fine those who cause disturbance late at night, let off fireworks in the street and fine youngsters who carry fireworks in public.

 

“I know fireworks concern many people locally, especially in the run up to Guy Fawkes night.  I agree with them that controlling fireworks matters and that’s why I backed these tough offences in parliament."

 

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

1.      The following offences can have a Penalty Notice for Disorder issued from 11th October. These included the three new firework offences are:

 

·         Under 18 possession of an adult firework (any firework except for a cap, cracker snap, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents, throwdowns and sparklers) in a public place

 

·         Possession of a category 4 (consumer display fireworks ) firework by any member of the public unless authorised

 

·         Use of an adult firework between the hours of 11pm and 7am (with the exception of 5 November, 31 December, Chinese New Year and Diwali).

 

2.      These offences can have a Penalty Notice for Disorder issued to those over 16 from 11th October.

 

3.      Penalty Notices for Disorder for throwing a firework in a public place were introduced on 5 March 2004. This offence has a penalty of £80.


End

 



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