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Written question asked by Ruth Cadbury (Labour) on Friday, 5 January 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 January 2024. It was answered by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Monday, 15 January 2024 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Fireworks: Noise

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if her Department will make an assessment of the adequacy of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 for mitigating the impact of fireworks on noise pollution.

Answer

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 set a maximum noise limit of 120 decibels on all consumer fireworks. It should be noted, however, that many consumer fireworks go off at a noise level below this rate, as demonstrated in the Government’s noise testing research, published in February 2023.

Lower noise fireworks are also commercially available to consumers to purchase if they wish to, potentially reducing distress to vulnerable groups and animals. The Government has no current plans to reduce the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks for consumer use but we continue to monitor the situation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7939
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Fireworks Noise
Legislation
Fireworks Regulations 2004
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk