Reading Borough to Introduce Fines for Smoke Control Breaches

New restrictions on the use of wood burners and open fires in both residential and commercial properties will be implemented across the entirety of Reading borough starting in December. Reading Borough Council stated that establishing this smoke control area (SCA) is intended to diminish harmful pollution and enhance air quality. Penalties for violating these regulations will range from £175 to £300. Exceptions will be made for households utilizing appliances approved by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), or those burning fuels marked with the “ready to burn” logo in an open fire or a non-exempt appliance. This new initiative will supersede the 21 existing smoke control areas that currently encompass approximately 62% of the town. The council clarified that outdoor barbecues, chimineas, garden fireplaces, or pizza ovens are permissible for use, “as long as they do not release smoke through the chimney of a building”. Garden bonfires will be permitted within the SCA, provided they comply with the guidelines published on the council’s bonfires webpage. A public consultation concerning the creation of a borough-wide SCA was conducted in autumn 2023, and Defra granted approval for the scheme in July. John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, commented that the establishment of the SCA would “help reduce the release of harmful pollution which can affect every organ in the body and increase the risk of serious illness”. He further explained, “It will also be much easier for households to understand if the rules apply to them, as the SCA will cover the whole of Reading borough rather than separate pockets of the town.” Ennis encouraged, “I would encourage households and businesses to visit the council website to check what can and cannot be burned if you live inside an SCA.” You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.