'Fireworks season' faces tougher laws

12.42.00pm GMT Mon 1st Nov 2004

This year, the run up to Bonfire night and Diwali takes place against tougher laws to protect residents form noise. Under new legislation, supported in parliament by Vincent Cable MP, it is a criminal offence to let off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except on November 5th when the time is extended to 12pm. It is also now a criminal offence for under 18's to let off fireworks in a public place (punishable by a fixed penalty); and to detonate powerful fireworks over 120 decibels.

Vincent Cable "I was heavily involved to strike a better balance between the interests of those who are frightened and disturbed by the noise and those who want to enjoy their traditional freedoms. I don't support the call for an outright ban which some MPs are backing; but unless there is some effective controls over antisocial fireworks then the calls for a ban will grow.

"In this area we are used to organised displays at Kneller Hall and Marble Hill and it is increasingly the trend for such properly organised displays rather the big noisy and dangerous fireworks being used in makeshift private parties."