New fireworks restrictions begin today

Fireworks enthusiasts have to be patient and remember that fireworks may only be lit from 18:00 tonight. In previous years it was allowed from 10:00 a.m. With the limited lighting times the Cabinet hopes to prevent inconvenience to local residents and reduce the number of firework related injuries. Other rules for lighting fireworks have also been tightened this year, such as increased fines for the possession of illegal fireworks or lighting fireworks outside the designated times. The municipalities and police are generally not jumping to enforce the stricter lighting times. Most municipalities have not deployed extra police officers.  Police Chief Gerard Bouman said this week that tackling illegal fireworks is more important than regulating the lighting times. "Where lives are potentially at risk, inconvenience can not be a priority." Fireworks may be lit from 18:00 tonight until 02:00 tomorrow morning.