Households in 37 English Areas Risk £300 Fines for Log Burner Smoke
Residents across 37 parts of England, including key locations like Birmingham and Solihull in the West Midlands, are facing potential fines of up to £300 for using log burners that emit excessive smoke from chimneys. This enforcement targets homes situated in smoke control areas, which encompass the majority of England's towns and cities, under section 19A of the Clean Air Act 1993.
Understanding Smoke Control Areas and Penalties
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), a smoke control area is a legally defined zone where emitting smoke from a chimney is prohibited. Defra states: "A smoke control area is a legally defined area where you cannot emit smoke from a chimney. You can be issued a financial penalty of between £175 to £300 if you break this rule." These fines are specifically for violations related to smoke emissions, with additional penalties possible for other infractions.
In these areas, unauthorised fuels such as wood can only be burned in exempt appliances, which include certain boilers, cookers, and stoves. Homeowners must strictly use fuel types approved by the appliance manufacturer to avoid penalties. Defra adds: "You must not buy an unauthorised fuel for use in a smoke control area unless it is to be used in an exempt appliance. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you break this rule." This highlights the importance of compliance with both fuel and appliance regulations.
List of Impacted Areas and Compliance Guidelines
The full list of smoke control areas in England includes numerous cities and towns, such as:
- Exeter, London, Oxford, Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton
- Crawley, Gillingham, Guildford, Reading, Slough, High Wycombe
- Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Stevenage, Luton, Northampton, Coventry
- Rugby, Birmingham, Solihull, Leicester, Derby, Sheffield
- Liverpool, Bradford, Manchester, Durham, Newcastle, Lincoln
- Hull, Barnsley, Scunthorpe, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Peterborough, Salford
Residents are advised to check the official smoke control area map to confirm if their location is affected, but Defra notes that the data is indicative only. It is crucial to contact local authorities for definitive confirmation to ensure compliance and avoid fines.
Exemptions and Permitted Uses
Despite the restrictions, households in smoke control areas can still use outdoor appliances such as barbecues, chimineas, fireplaces, and pizza ovens without penalty. For appliances with chimneys on buildings, like summerhouses, only authorised fuel is allowed unless the appliance is exempt. This distinction helps residents enjoy certain heating and cooking options while adhering to air quality standards.
The enforcement aims to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner environments in urban areas. By targeting log burners, authorities seek to mitigate the health and environmental impacts associated with smoke emissions, aligning with broader efforts to improve air quality across England.
