Eighty Percent Of Brits Believe In Total Firework Ban

Although Brits will be going bonfire barmy this November 5^th, a massive 80 percent* believe there should be a total ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public.

Research by Churchill Home Insurance found that over 38 million people are expected to take part in this year’s firework spectacular. However, nine out of ten believe that fireworks are dangerous and should be used only in displays organised by qualified professionals, as in Australia and in some US states such as New York.

There are rules and regulations regarding the sale of fireworks to the general public, including the licensing of year-round firework suppliers and a law that says fireworks can not be sold to people under the age of 18. Despite this, the research shows that nearly eight out of ten people are worried about hurting themselves or a family member on Bonfire Night.

The Bonfire Night safety fear is further revealed in the research findings which show:

• Over 4 million have been injured or have a family member that has been injured by a firework in the past
• Nine out of ten Brits believe that pets and wildlife suffer the effects of fireworks on Bonfire Night. Six out of ten are expecting to lock their pets away for the night
• Nearly a third of the population say they wouldn’t keep fireworks in or near their houses
• Nearly 2 million have experienced firework damage to their property and cars

Churchill’s Head of Home Insurance, Martin Scott, says: “Personal safety and the potential for property damage is clearly an issue which concerns everyone on Bonfire Night. The research shows that nearly half the UK population is going to a public firework display this year - people are taking firework responsibility seriously. Whilst talk of a ban might seem extreme, it does highlight the public’s increasing recognition of the need to be vigilant.”

And it’s not just Bonfire Night itself that’s cause for concern. The survey also found that for six out of ten people the days running up to November 5^th are a real concern. They fear for kids’ safety and do not encourage them to go house-to-house collecting with a home-made Guy.

At the same time, a third of Brits – rising to more than 40 percent in London – admit they would be too scared to open the door to kids collecting a ‘penny for the Guy’.

* Research commissioned by Churchill Home Insurance with 1,455 UK inhabitants, October 2005.

NB: All figures are based on the current UK population of 59.8m (Source: National Bureau of Statistics)

 

For more information please contact:

Abi Clark                                              

Churchill Insurance                                

020 8313 5830                                     

pressoffice@churchil.com