Edinburgh may ban fireworks citywide after 2024’s trial zones. A public survey is planned, pending council and government approval.
Council members may OK an eight-week public survey. A full ban depends on several things: Government ministers must agree, and the public consultation’s results matter, too.
Last year, a similar survey got 770 responses and 663 people favored a citywide control zone then. This year’s survey may include smaller zone ideas; Niddrie and other areas could get zones.
Residents can ask for new control zones, requests that would be part of the consultation process. Council members learned about last year’s zone success.
Calton Hill’s zone seems to have worked well. Fewer fireworks exploded there, experts believe, and trash amounts support this.
Niddrie’s zone’s impact was hard to gauge. “Significant antisocial disorder” occurred there. Still, fewer pro-grade fireworks were used citywide; these fireworks need training to handle.
The SSPCA said Balerno’s zone helped their animals, reducing their stress during the event. No data exists for Seafield’s control zone.
Council-run Bonfire Night alternatives proved popular; the Craigmillar event drew 600 people. A decision is coming soon: Councillors will vote on the consultation idea, and the Culture Committee meets Thursday to discuss it.