ON-THE-SPOT fines could be handed out for the misuse of fireworks under new powers given to Dorset Police.

Late-night noise and possession of dangerous fireworks could become a thing of the past if the threat of an £80 fixed penalty makes offenders think twice about letting off bangers at inappropriate times.

The move is certain to be welcomed by members of the public who have fought a long battle to deal with firework nuisance.

A Daily Echo campaign two years ago, Bang Out Of Order, attracted more than 4,500 signatures calling for a change in the law.

The coupons were handed in at the House of Commons, along with a 3,500 signature petition from dog groomer Leesa Cunningham, who was concerned about the effect of fireworks on pets.

Fixed penalties for fireworks offences are among 11 new offences included in the list of crimes which can be dealt with by on-the-spot fines.

Other new offences include selling alcohol to under 18s, damaging property to a value of less than £500 and retail theft under £200.

A report from Chief Inspector Mike Rogers, custody manager for Dorset Police, revealed 266 penalty notices have been issued in the county since they were first introduced in April, the vast majority for minor public order offences and for being drunk and disorderly.

Penalties have been paid in 160 cases, two have requested a court hearing, 84 have not paid and have therefore been registered as a fine and 54 are still within the 21-day period.

Chief Insp Rogers told the Daily Echo he believes the penalty notices have been very successful and have saved valuable time for police officers and for the courts.

"They allow us to keep people out of the courts and they speed the whole process up, assisting the police officers," he said.

"If these cases had gone to court they would probably have ended up with a fine but it would have taken much longer."

There are now a total of 21 offences covered by fixed penalties, 15 of which attract £80 fines and six with a £50 limit.

Other offences covered include: wasting police time, using public electronic communications network to cause annoyance, false alarm to fire and rescue, causing harassment, alarm or distress, throwing fireworks and being drunk and disorderly.

First published: Oct 6