The government is considering tougher restrictions on fireworks and pyrotechnics. The move follows growing concerns about public safety and antisocial behaviour.
A public consultation has been launched and will run until 7 October . Ministers are asking people to share their views on plans to tighten the rules around the sale and use of fireworks.
The proposals include restricting louder fireworks, banning more higher-risk products and reviewing regulations for fireworks currently classed as lower risk.
The consultation comes after Harrow experienced what campaigners described as its “worst year” of fireworks misuse. Last year, Harrow Council received more than 300 reports linked to fireworks during the Diwali period.
The council also launched a borough-wide enforcement campaign to tackle dangerous and antisocial behaviour.
Roxborough Residents’ Association committee member Brandon To has welcomed the consultation. He has spent months raising concerns with local councillors and MPs.
Mr To said he witnessed dangerous incidents during last year’s celebrations. These included firecrackers being thrown from moving cars and fireworks being set off close to people’s homes.
He mentioned: “Last year, Harrow was affected exceptionally badly by fireworks during Diwali. Firecrackers were thrown at moving cars, nearly causing crashes at roundabouts, and residents in high-rise flats will never forget multi-shot barrages exploding directly outside their windows.”
Mr To said the impact had been particularly difficult for elderly residents and pet owners. “It has reached a point where my own family is considering leaving Harrow during Diwali this year because it was too much distress for our elderly. I know many local families with pets feel the exact same anxiety, with some still traumatised after pets ran away in fear last year, ” he said.
Current rules prohibit fireworks from being set off in Harrow between 11pm and 7am.
Fireworks cannot be set off in Harrow between 11pm and 7am, although later cut-off times apply on Diwali, Chinese New Year, Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.
Last year, Harrow Council deployed enforcement officers across the borough for three weeks, taking more than 300 calls about incidents and preventing 37 situations officers believed could have become dangerous.
The authority also warned offenders they could face fines of up to £100 for breaching regulations.
Mr To believes the government’s consultation gives residents an opportunity to influence future legislation. “We’ve been urging local MPs and Harrow Council to act,” he said.
“Now that the Government has opened a national consultation, we finally have a voice.
“I sincerely urge anyone affected by firework misuse to submit their views before 7 October so we can find a sustainable way forward to balance celebration with public safety.”
The government said fireworks remain an important part of many cultural celebrations.
However, ministers acknowledged that concerns about safety, vulnerable people and animals have increased in recent years.
They said public complaints, parliamentary debates and petitions had all contributed to the decision to review the current rules.
If adopted, the changes could affect which fireworks are available to the public ahead of future Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year celebrations.
