Noisy fireworks ban to be debated in parliament

Sales of very loud fireworks could be restricted to professionals if a new UK law is passed.

Luton North MP Sarah Owen has introduced a Fireworks Bill that will be debated in parliament on Friday.

The bill would prevent members of the public buying fireworks louder than 90 decibels, which Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes also said would address "nuisance fireworks and antisocial behaviour".

The British Fireworks Association said "laws exist but are not enforced", and argued that "greater restrictions create a black market".

Ms Owen said the issue was not around public, centrally organised displays, but the private use of fireworks.

"This is not a new problem, and in the last five to 10 years it's got really bad," she said.

"I've been contacted by parents of children with special needs who find fireworks going off sporadically really distressing."

Animals are also known to be stressed by loud bangs, and a petition to review the UK's firework regulations to protect pets has received more than a million signatures.

"Myself and campaigners such as the RSPCA want the noise down to 90 decibels, the volume of a lawnmower," Ms Owen added.

"They can be sold to professionally licensed organisers of fireworks events.

"It's not saying you don't want to have a celebration at all, but all of the big, loud rocket fireworks should be kept in the hands of professionals."

She said the bill had "cross-party support" from MPs in different parts of England and Wales, including rural areas, towns and cities.

Mr Pakes said he wanted to see noise levels reduced "so people can still enjoy fireworks, but they have a bit more light and a bit less bang".

"I'd also like us to explore whether they should be sold in licensed or specialist shops," he said.

"This is not about ending the fun of the big displays, but it is about dealing with antisocial behaviour and some of the nuisance fireworks we see go on at all times of the year in Peterborough and across the East."

The British Fireworks Association said it had a 10-point plan to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve safety, including more robust enforcement, tougher sentencing, and by raising the minimum purchasing age to 21.

"We have a proven track record of working with previous governments to promote the safe, responsible, and considerate use of fireworks," it said.

"We have consistently sought to minimise the risk of unintended consequences, as experts in the field have warned that overly restrictive measures would exacerbate the problem."

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