Fooling around with fireworks is both dangerous and irresponsible and Kent Police will be out in force this Bonfire Night with new powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour. 

 

For the last three weeks Kent Police has been promoting a high profile strategy to clamp down on firework misuse as part of its seasonal Operation Excalibur initiative.  Working with partners, including Kent Fire & Rescue, Trading Standards, the RSPCA and the Home Office, Kent Police has adopted a high profile campaign to warn of the dangers of fireworks misuse and the penalties.  The campaign has targeted anti-social behaviour and the sale of fireworks.   

 

Chief Inspector Mark Harrison of Kent Police said: ‘Fooling around with fireworks is no joke.  Modern fireworks contain a large amount of explosive material that can cause horrific injuries and significant damage to property.  All too often at this time of year, fireworks become a vehicle for anti-social behaviour targeted at the most vulnerable members of our community.’

 

Kent Police will be enforcing a range of powers on the possession and use of fireworks.  This includes:

 

- A ban on anyone under-18 possessing fireworks - A total ban on anyone possessing a professional firework, except for licensed displays - A curfew on the use of fireworks between 11pm* and 7am, and between midnight and 7am on Bonfire Night

 

Anyone aged 16 or over caught flouting the rules could face an £80 fixed penalty notice for disorder.  For the dangerous misuse of a firework you could face a prison sentence.

 

Kent Police is also working with Trading Standards to ensure retailers play their part in the responsible sale of fireworks, including test shopping to ensure that retailers are aware of the strict laws on the sale of fireworks.     

 

Chief Inspector Mark Harrison continued:  ‘We’re sending a strong warning to anyone who thinks they can use fireworks irresponsibly this Bonfire Night.  We will take action against anyone who is caught in possession of, or using, fireworks illegally.’

 

Notes to editors

 

(1) Chief Inspector Mark Harrison is available for broadcast interviews on request to Media Services from Wednesday 1 November.

 

(2) The Fireworks Regulations (2004) were introduced to combat the anti-social use of fireworks.  This includes damage to property, assaults with fireworks, and general nuisance, i.e. noise.  

 

(3)  Fireworks are classified according to four categories:

 

Category 1

Includes party poppers, caps, etc. deemed generally safe for indoor use. 

 

Category 2 & 3 (“adult fireworks”)

Sometimes labelled “garden” or “display” fireworks that are sold by registered traders and must conform to BS 7114.

 

Category 4

For professional use only and prohibited from possession by the public.

 

(4) The Regulations provide the police with three key areas for enforcement for the possession and use of fireworks.  These are:

 

(i) A ban on persons under-18 possessing an “adult firework” (category 2 or 3) in a public place;

(ii) A total ban on anyone possessing a category 4 firework, and;

(iii) A curfew on the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am (with some exceptions*).

 

* Exceptions include a two-hour extension from 11pm to 1am for Chinese New Year, Divali and New Year’s Eve.  A one-hour extension from 11pm to midnight is also applicable on Bonfire Night (5 November).     

 

A fine of £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment can be imposed for flouting the curfew.  

 

Professional displays authorised by local authorities are not subject to the curfew.