Fireworks are to be banned from a neighbourhood in Glasgow after the local authority declared its first Control Zone. 

Pollokshields on the city’s Southside, home to 12,000 people, will be firework free for a period in November, with stiff penalties for anyone caught setting off bangers, rockets, Roman candles or other pyrotechnics.  

But what will the ban entail? And why Pollokshields? Here’s what you need to know about the city’s first Firework Control Zone. 

Fireworks over GlasgowFireworks over Glasgow (Image: NQ)

How long does the ban last and what does it cover?  

The ban will be brought in place from November 1st to November 10th – covering bonfire night. It applies to both public and private spaces, such as gardens. Signs will be erected in the area covered by the FCZ informing people of the ban. 

What type of fireworks are banned? 

All of them. Except sparklers.  

Sparklers are the only thing to escape the ban Sparklers are the only thing to escape the ban (Image: NQ)

What are the penalties?  

It will be a criminal offence to light fireworks within the boundaries of the FCZ. the penalties for breaking the law in a firework control zone are up to six months in prison or a fine of up to £5,000. 


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What if I fire a rocket into the zone, or stand outside and throw one in? 

The authorities thought of this – it will be an offence to do both things, with both covered by the rules of the zone.  

Why Pollokshields? 

The area has long been considered a hotspot for ‘firework-related antisocial behavior’. Across Glasgow, thirteen applications for FCZs were received by city chiefs during a consultation. Four of them alone came from Pollokshields. 

Pollokshields is a firework hotspot Pollokshields is a firework hotspot (Image: NQ)

What have the police said? 

Group Commander Craig Campbell from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service based in Glasgow said: "Bonfire Night is one of the busiest nights of the year for our crews and we will continue to work tirelessly to reduce anti-social behaviour in the run up to and during the event. 

"As part of this work over the coming weeks across the city of Glasgow, our staff will visit young people in schools to talk to them directly about the dangers of the misuse of fireworks."