To prevent a repeat of reckless and antisocial use of fireworks in streets and parks, the London Borough of Harrow is launching a three-week enforcement campaign.
- 3-week crackdown during fireworks season
- Dedicated line opened to report nuisance
- Officers will patrol every evening and every weekend
A three-week enforcement campaign to tackle fireworks misuse and noise nuisance across the borough will seek to prevent a repeat of the reckless and antisocial use of fireworks in streets and parks last year which caused distress for many residents in Harrow.
Starting on Friday 17 October, a three-week operation will see the council’s enforcement teams out in force every evening and weekend from 6pm to 10pm. They’ll be engaging and advising businesses and residents, while also taking action against those who think the rules don’t apply to them. Under the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) anyone caught risks getting £100 fine.
A dedicated hotline - 020 4604 2775 - will be live daily from 6pm to 10pm. Residents can report dangerous firework activity and noise complaints incidents in real time. Officers will be backed up by the Council’s CCTV room – who will be monitoring activity in real time helping officers to take swift action. After 10pm, fireworks that are illegally set off should be reported to the police on 101. (999 should only be dialled if there is a crime happening, threat of violence or danger to life).
Cllr Pritesh Patel, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Protection said:
“Many of us enjoy watching fireworks. They can be fun but they’re not for everyone. Loud bangs and noises can cause distress and affect the quality of life for some residents – and pets. Last year we saw fireworks let off dangerously on our streets which is completely irresponsible and unacceptable.
“That’s why we are stepping up enforcement with a three-week crackdown during the peak of fireworks season. With our dedicated phone line, CCTV room, and officers on the ground – we’ll be taking action against those setting off fireworks dangerously and causing a nuisance. It’s our way of putting residents first and keeping our borough safe.”
If you see a trader selling fireworks illegally report them to Trading Standards.
Fireworks at night cannot be set off between 11pm and 7am except on the following days:
- until 1am on the night of the Chinese New Year
- until 1am on the night of Diwali
- until 1am on New Year's Eve
- until midnight on 5th November (Bonfire Night)
Additional information
What to call the number for: Fireworks let off in parks and public highway - fireworks causing a nuisance in a communal area/garden. Under 18s with fireworks where they are not causing disorder.
Dangerously let off fireworks or large scale, fireworks directed towards people or damaging vehicles: Contact the Police on 999 or 101
Why 6pm to10pm: We're focusing on the fireworks that are a risk to safety on the roads/pavements which happened last year largely within this timescale. After 10pm, the fireworks are likely part of wider disorder and therefore for the Police to action. We are here to help the police target their resources to the most significant disorder whilst we deal with the smaller scale issues that occur early evening.
Private garden fireworks; These are permitted under the law. If they go beyond the legal timings or cause damage/threat to life, the police should be called.