Highland councillors approve process for creation of firework control zones paving the way for bans in misuse hotspots
Highland Council has agreed the process to ban fireworks in certain areas if a community requests that they do so.
The creation of so-called firework control zones was approved by the communities and place committee as one of the tools available to the council to respond to serious firework misuse.
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The local authority insists that it will consider appropriate and proportional response to local firework issues while working with communities and key partners.
After the the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics (Scotland) Act 2022 came into force, local authorities were given discretionary powers to designate Firework Control Zone.
That makes it a criminal offence for the public to ignite fireworks in those areas, including on private properties and gardens within a Firework Control Zone.
Police are responsible for enforcing such offences that carry maximum penalties of £500 or six months imprisonment.
Communities but not individuals can make a request for a firework control zone which will then see the submission passed through a process of consultation and decision making.
The chairman of the communities and place committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie said: “I commend officers for the development of this new process which will enable the Council to comply with Scottish Government legislation and also facilitate community groups to respond to local needs where they feel that creation of a Firework Control Zone is required
“The process for community groups to request Fireworks Control Zones in Highland has been developed with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland and they will continue to be consulted on any applications received.
“Local communities and relevant organisations will also have the opportunity to comment on requests for Fireworks Control Zones with the final decision on designation of a zone being made by Highland Councillors at Area Committees.”
He added: “The Highlands haven’t had the major issues of anti-social firework misuse such as seen in a few Scottish towns last year.”
