31 October, 2006

Steve Pound calls on police to use £80 fines for firework yobs


Northolt's Labour MP Steve Pound has backed laws that mean yobs misusing fireworks are fined £80 on the spot.

The 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 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.

Having discussed the matter with constituents this weekend, Steve Pound announced:

“Many parents in Northolt know that in the wrong hands fireworks can be very dangerous. I’ve heard of cases where families have been disturbed late at night, children have been threatened by fireworks or elderly relatives felt trapped inside their homes. That’s why we need to make sure that fireworks are enjoyed safely not endured by people who think that they're living through an air raid."

“I know that fireworks concern many people in Northolt, Greenford, Perivale and Hanwell, especially in the run up to Guy Fawkes night. I agree with them that controlling fireworks matters.

“The police have the power to fine those who cause disturbance late at night, let off fireworks in the street and fine youngsters who carry fireworks in public. That’s why I’m calling on the police in Ealing to crack down on those people who use fireworks to terrorise others.”

posted by Bassam Mahfouz @ 4:11 pm