Fireworks
Fireworks are widely used to celebrate events but they they can also frighten and disturb people and animals, cause annoyance, damage and have an adverse impact on air quality. The bright colours and effects in fireworks are produced by chemicals that are released into the atmosphere. To avoid noise problems with fireworks we recommend that you:
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Tell your neighbours about the display
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Use appropriate fireworks - try to avoid the really noisy ones
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Make sure pets and other animals are safely away
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Consider the timing of the display
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Avoid letting off fireworks in unsuitable weather such as when it is still or misty
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Locate the fireworks away from buildings that could reflect noise.
The Fireworks Regulations 2004
The provisions relating to the use of fireworks between 23.00 and 07.00 are enforced by Derbyshire Police website. These regulations introduced a number of controls:
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No person under 18 may possess an adult firework in a public place
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No person shall use an adult firework between the hours of 23.00 and 07.00 (there are exemptions for Chinese New Year, 5 November, Diwali and New Year the permitted fireworks nights)
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No person shall supply a category 3 firework that produces a sound pressure level greater than 120dB(A)
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Anyone supplying adult fireworks must be licensed to do so (there are exemptions for short periods before the permitted fireworks nights).
Can I make a noise complaint about fireworks?
You will need to contact the Police if the fireworks are being let off in the street or outside the permitted times.
It is very unlikely that firework noise will ever be frequent enough from any particular premises to be considered a statutory nuisance.
Advice on firework safety can be found at britishfireworksassociation.co.uk and gov.uk.