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June 30 comes with a warning and there are risks if you fail to comply
June 30 comes with a warning and there are risks if you fail to comply
The British public are being urged to check their local council's rules or potentially risk punishment for non-compliance
People have been issued a word of warning over BBQs as temperatures are set to reach 33C on June 30
(Image: Getty )
As Brits up and down the country plan to gear up to make the most of the hot and sunny weather this weekend, there's one particular law that could potentially throw a spanner in the works for many if they fail to comply. According to the Met Office, it will be "mostly dry through the weekend, with sunny spells. Turning very warm for some, especially southeastern parts."
Temperatures are predicted to reach highs of 29C on Saturday, June 28, climbing to 32C on Sunday, June 29, and potentially up to 33C on Monday, June 30. The sizzling conditions are expected to send millions outdoors to beaches and parks. One typical pastime many people in Britain enjoy when the weather heats up is having a BBQ.
However, the team at easyfundraising is sounding the alarm to anyone planning to use disposable barbeques in public parks and council-monitored green spaces this weekend. All because of new council-led initiatives, meaning those planning on igniting the grill in public spaces could be slapped with £100 fines over the coming days.
This warning comes as Brits only start to recover from the hottest day of the year last week, but according to WXCharts, another wave of high temperatures is set to bake the UK leading up to June 30. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber alerts across England, with conditions forecast to exceed 30C for most households.
With temperatures rising, the team at easyfundraising is reminding everyone to be cautious and take note of the rules in their local parks and green spaces. The temptation to pull out the picnic blankets and snap up disposable BBQs will be hard for many to resist, but in some areas, it could result in an unexpected fine.
Certain parks allow the use of BBQs, but many others don't
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To curb excessive waste and harm to parks, councils are increasingly establishing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in green spaces. These rules often include strict rules against using disposable BBQs, meaning your picnic could cost you more than a trip to the shops this weekend.
What is a PSPO, and what are the risks?
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a legal tool that enables local authorities, in collaboration with the police, to combat anti-social behaviour in public areas. PSPOs are intended to address particular problems such as loud noise, public drinking, or aggressive begging by enforcing restrictions on specific activities within a defined zone.
The goal of these orders is to make public spaces safe and enjoyable for all. PSPOs enhance the quality of life for residents by minimising or preventing antisocial behaviour in communal areas. They include particular prohibitions or requirements concerning behaviour in a specified area, like limiting alcohol consumption, mandating that dogs be on leads, or banning certain activities.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) can ban barbecues in parks and public spaces
PSPOs are sanctioned under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Violating a PSPO is considered a criminal act, which may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or legal action. Councils must engage with the local community and police prior to implementing a PSPO. PSPOs can remain in effect for a maximum of three years and are subject to review and extension.
Can lighting a BBQ in a park trigger a PSPO?
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) can ban barbecues in public parks and open areas to reduce fire risks and anti-social conduct. Violating a PSPO may lead to a fixed penalty notice (typically £100) or legal action, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Before having a BBQ in a public park, make sure to visit your council's website to understand the regulations regarding BBQ usage. While many parks across the country permit disposable BBQs in specific areas, some regions in the UK have implemented bans in recent years.
Barbecues have the potential to ignite fires, particularly in dry conditions, which presents a serious threat to both public safety and the environment. BBQs can create noise, litter, and various disturbances, affecting the enjoyment of the park for other visitors.
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The New Forest District Council, for example, put in place a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) due to ongoing fire damage and the threat of wildfires caused by campfires and barbecues. The council's order forbids the lighting of fires or barbecues and demands that people put them out and hand over any associated items.
