More control over log and coal burners

Published: Thursday, 02 February 2023

PEOPLE in England face fines of up to £300 and even criminal records if they flout new log burner rules.

There has been a tightening of emission regulations that has reduced the amount of smoke stoves can emit per hour from 5g to 3g.

On-the-spot fine

It applies to 'smoke control areas' and anyone found to be breaking the new measures could be issued with an on-the-spot fine of £300.

These rules are part of the government's new 25 years environmental plan.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has cracked down on log burners and coal fires as the government believe they are the largest source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—small particles of air pollution which find their way into the body.

Boaters

Many boaters use wood and coal in stoves with Defra now enabling local authorities to enforce smoke control areas, and issue fines to those whose chimneys are emitting too much smoke or pursuing a criminal case if they do not comply.

It is not stated how to ascertain how much 'g' is being emitted by a stove...