Bradford Council Issues ‘Consequences Cards’ Regarding Fireworks Law Ahead of Bonfire Night

Advice cards detailing the legal framework surrounding fireworks use and the penalties for non-compliance are currently being distributed in Bradford in advance of Bonfire Night. These materials, known as “consequences cards” and developed by the city’s Community Safety Partnership, are specifically targeting young people in the city during the period leading up to 5 November. According to the Fireworks Regulations Act 2004, it is an offense for any individual under the age of 18 to acquire or possess fireworks. Heather Wilson, youth services development manager at Bradford Council, indicated that the cards, which are being handed out by youth workers, police officers, and firefighters, aim to assist young people in understanding “how they can stay out of trouble”. The advice cards, designed to fold to the size of a bank card, were created with input from some of the city’s young residents. Ms Wilson explained: “It’s about giving out some safety messages to young people about some of the risks around fireworks season and Bonfire season.” She added that the cards not only outline the law concerning fireworks possession but also related offenses, such as creating a bonfire that endangers life. Youth workers have been distributing the consequences cards throughout the district as part of a broader initiative that has also involved sending letters to parents and guardians to clarify their responsibilities. Ms Wilson said: “What we want those young people to do is, later on, when they’re getting changed, or changing their jacket or trousers or something, they stumble across that card again. And that gives them that moment of reflection when they can open that card and remind themselves of some of those really key messages we’ve given them.” She further clarified that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy, or to be in possession of, fireworks, adding, “and that includes sparklers as well.” She explained, “That’s something you don’t often think about because you almost see sparklers as things that haven’t got the same threat as fireworks.” In September, Noreen Akhtar, a senior official at Bradford Council, advocated for a change in legislation to prevent the anti-social use of fireworks. Akhtar stated that the city has been affected for years by rockets and other fireworks being discharged at all hours of the day and night.