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Bonfire Night is just around the corner
Having fireworks or a bonfires? You need to
The law on lighting bonfires:know this before November 5th
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Bonfire Night is just around the corner and although many of us are excited to celebrate this year - we must also be mindful of what laws are in place surrounding November 5. Last year, we were under a second lockdown, squashing any chance of celebration.
Now that restrictions are lifted in the UK, it is likely people will flock to events and others may stay home,
There are many laws surrounding the use of fireworks, or lighting a bonfire, on your own land.
Here are all the rules and regulations that you need to know about fireworks and bonfire.
You cannot buy ‘adult’ fireworks if you’re under 18, and it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions.
For Bonfire night - the cut off is midnight. Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks - they do not include things like party poppers.
Category 4 fireworks can not be purchased by the general public and can only be used by professionals. You cannot set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. There are no laws against lighting a bonfire in your garden, but there are laws about causing a nuisance for your neighbours. There are a few things you should consider if you plan on lighting a bonfire this year. Legally, you can light your bonfire any time or day or night, but it is common courtesy to plan it so it finishes burning at dusk. Letting your neighbours know when you plan on lighting your bonfire is also polite as it can allow them to plan what washing they may leave out or how they plan to use their garden that day.
If you do decide to light a bonfire, then try to avoid burning wet or green matter because it will cause excess smoke.
Contact your local council to find out how to get rid of it or you can always compost it as well.
Furthermore, most councils prohibit burning straw or hay so avoid using that as part of your bonfire. You should also avoid burning rubber, or plastic because it violates environmental protection laws.
You should also be aware it is against the law to have smoke drift onto a public highway. You could be fined £5,000 if this happens. If you plan on lighting a bonfire this Guy Fawkes’ Day just make sure you speak to your neighbours and local fire authority about it.
Driving in cold weather could break Highway Code rules, lead to fines and licence points
Drivers are being urged to stay safe when driving this winter, or they could risk being fined and having penalty points to their licence.
With the weather starting to get colder and the days getting shorter, road users are being warned to make necessary checks before driving. Rules 226 to 237 of the Highway Code address motoring laws in regard to “driving in adverse weather conditions”. Rule 229 specifically sets out what drivers should do before they enter their vehicle. It states: “Before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows. “You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible. Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly. “Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users. “Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.” If drivers do not abide by these Highway Code rules, they could risk a £60 fine. Drivers may also receive penalty points on their driving licence for not abiding by the rules. 18 Motorists could even be in hot water with their car insurance companies if an accident were to occur.
If an insurance company finds out drivers were not following the highway code, it could lead to a withheld payout. To demist a windscreen, the RAC advises drivers start the heater off cold and direct the flow of air at the windscreen and windows, then slowly increase the temperature. It does, however, cause a distraction to other motorists when it eventually comes off, so it is worth it to remove the snow whilst demisting the car.
Ultimately, when clearing ice and demisting the car, try and ensure all the snow has been removed too.
However, if on a public road the highway code states: "You must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road." Alongside making the vehicle an easy target for theft, drivers could land themselves with a fine ranging from £20 to £80 depending on the location.
This is only applicable on public roads, so motorists are safe to demist on driveways and other areas of private land.
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