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Joe Benton, MP For Bootle, Applauds Fines And Court For Firework Yobs

With Guy Fawkes night approaching Bootle MP Joe Benton today issued a stark warning - those found misusing fireworks will face £80 on the spot fines under new police powers.

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; and
• 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).

Joe Benton 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 Bootle.

"Those that use fireworks to make peoples lives a misery now face and increased fine and court action if they refuse to pay the £80 on the spot fine.

"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."