City of Edinburgh Council delays decision on city-wide fireworks ban vote. A council meeting will take place next month.
Councillor Heap wanted the delay. He wants clarity from Scotland’s government. It involves a city-wide fireworks control zone. These zones restrict fireworks use. Restrictions happen at specific times and places.
The government can change or stop zones. Councillor Osler emphasized careful wording. She said this is not a total ban now. It is only a temporary pause. She noted several problems they are working on. Issues include antisocial actions and the environment.
One law cannot fix everything quickly. Four zones were introduced last year. One delay impacted planning consultations. The current plan is an eight-week consultation. This consultation involves a city-wide zone. They also consider smaller zones elsewhere. These zones might include Niddrie and other areas.
Last year’s zones seemed successful. Calton Hill showed less firework use. It decreased by an estimated 80% to 90%. Use of powerful F4 fireworks dropped too. Evaluating Niddrie proved difficult, though. Antisocial behavior occurred there in 2024.
The council meeting happens on March 20th. People can watch the meeting online.