Following a decision at the Special meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee on Friday 23 August 2024, elected members approved to implement Firework Control Zones (FCZ’s) in Edinburgh.
The areas are as follows: Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield and the Firework Control Zones will be for a set period between Friday 1 of November to Sunday 10 November 2024 only.
You can download the decision report which is being published as required by Section 29 Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.
On 23 August 2024 Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Today the Culture and Communities Committee endorsed the recommended actions, which allows us to implement the Firework Control Zones in the four areas from 1 – 10 November, following the 60-day lay period.
“This is just the first year, and will provide us with tangible evidence of its effectiveness and help guide implementation in years to come, along with extensive community consultation in 2025.
“Community safety, the protection of our emergency services personnel and animal welfare are among our top priorities when it comes to this decision.
“Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together, and we hope that these zones will allow the community to celebrate safely.”
The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 gives councils power to introduce Firework Control Zones (FCZ). We will use FCZs along with other measures to support the safe use of fireworks.
Currently the city council tackles issues involving fireworks by
- raise awareness within local communities by carrying out effective early intervention and prevention with families.
- engaging with young people in schools, through our local partnership approach with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Police Scotland.
- engaging with young people using diversionary activities
- working with Police Scotland who carry out enforcement activities.
Before a FCZ can be agreed or if a FCZ needs to be amended or revoked we must consult with
- those who live or work in the proposed zone.
- other members of the local community in or near the proposed zone.
- other persons or bodies of interest that the local authority considers having a connection with the proposed zone.
Exemptions within a FCZ include
- public firework displays, subject to certain requirements
- the use of certain fireworks designated as being grade F1.
For more information, visit UK Firework Review (UKFR)
An FCZ can be considered for the following reasons:
- misuse of fireworks/injuries
- impact on vulnerable groups
- environmental protection
- animal welfare
Once an FCZ has been agreed, Police Scotland will look to enforce any offences under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. More information is available at legislation.gov.uk.
In the future we will create a process for community requests. This will give communities a way to ask us to consider whether a zone should be agreed, amended, or revoked.
A community is any group of people who feel they have something in common such as community councils, resident groups, and stakeholders within the local community. In many cases they may live in the same area. Questions can be sent to fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk. A community request cannot be made by one person.
To make an application please contact fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk and we’ll send you an application pack.
We will be accepting applications from the 6th of May until the 30th of June. This will then rigorously be assessed and evaluated by the council, fire, and police services before a FCZ will be considered.
Complaints
Call Police Scotland on 101 to make a complaint about antisocial behavioru related to fireworks. They will use this information to identify what needs to be looked into. They will also link in with our Family and Household Support Teams with regards to any antisocial behaviour.
South West Team
0131 469 5150
southwestFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk
South East Team
0131 529 5123
southeastFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk
North West Team
0131 529 5014
northwestFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk
North East Team
0131 529 7168
northeastFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk
If you have concerns about someone selling fireworks, then please contact Trading Standards at 0131 608 1100 or email trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk.
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