Stevenage MP applauds fines and court for firework yobs
Stevenage MP Barbara Follett has shown her support for a new piece of legislation which means that anybody found misusing fireworks will face an £80 on-the-spot fine.
The three fireworks offences for which a new Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) can now be issued are:
- Under 18 possession of an adult firework (any firework except for a cap, cracker snap, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents, throw downs 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).
Mrs Follett said: "I have been campaigning for many years for laws to combat dangerous and nuisance use of fireworks. These new fixed penalty fines will allow our local police to get tough on those who misuse fireworks and make people's lives a misery in Stevenage”.
She added “The reality is that fireworks can cause harassment, intimidation and in worst cases, serious harm. The Government will not tolerate this. We have brought in new laws so that the police can punish offenders immediately with on-the-spot fines, pursuable if necessary through the courts."
Barbara Follett MP and her two Labradors: "These new fixed penalty fines will allow our local police to get tough on those who misuse fireworks".
Issued: 09.11.04
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