Hull MP calls on police to use 80 pound fines for firework yobs

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has urged the police to use laws that mean yobs misusing fireworks are fined £80 on the spot.

Hull police can use Fixed Penalty Notices to deal with individuals setting off fireworks at night, youngsters caught with fireworks, and adults found with high-powered display fireworks. It is also illegal for youngsters to carry adult fireworks in a public place.

Offenders who refuse to pay the £80 fine will face an increased fine and court action. For the most serious fireworks offences, the police will retain the power to prosecute offenders with penalties of a £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison.

The Hull North MP also warned that if the recent laws on fireworks do not sufficiently reduce the abuse of fireworks, she would consider supporting a ban on the private sale of fireworks.

Diana Johnson MP said: "Many parents in Hull know that in the wrong hands fireworks can be dangerous weapons. Their noise can disturb families late at night, children have been threatened by fireworks and elderly people can feel trapped inside their homes. Family pets are often terrified by firework noise.

"That's why we need to make sure that fireworks are enjoyed safely - not endured in silence. The police have the power to fine those who cause disturbance late at night or let off fireworks in the street. Police can fine youngsters who carry fireworks in public.

"I know that fireworks concern many people in Hull, especially in the run up to Guy Fawkes night. I agree that controlling fireworks matters. Now I want to see action on this issue. That's why I'm calling on the police in Hull to crack down on those people who use fireworks to terrorise others.

"The Government recently tightened up the law on fireworks. I hope that the measures introduced will prove sufficient to deal with the problem of fireworks misuse. If this proves not to be the case, I would be supportive of further moves to toughen the penalties for fireworks misuse and even ban the private sales of fireworks. Organised, professional public displays might well be safer for everyone in the long term."

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