CWAW Urges UK to Lower Firework Noise Limit to 90dB

The Center for Wild Animal Welfare (CWAW) is urging the United Kingdom government to reduce the maximum noise limit for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels. This demand follows a government consultation on a proposal to lower the limit to 110 decibels, which CWAW argues is insufficient to protect wild animals from acute stress and fatal collisions.

CWAW director Richard Parr notes that a 90dB limit would reduce the area affected by noise 100 times more than the government's 110dB plan. The RSPCA supports these concerns, with wildlife expert Rebecca Machin highlighting how fireworks and debris cause suffering and distress to birds, disrupting migration and elevating stress hormones. The campaign cites a 2025 incident in Bulgaria where over 1,000 birds died after being panicked by fireworks, and points to New Zealand as a precedent for implementing a 90dB limit in 2008.

The British Fireworks Association opposes the 90dB limit, claiming the case for such a reduction has not been made. The association warns that stricter regulations could drive consumers toward illegal fireworks. The current government consultation follows a January parliamentary debate and two petitions that each garnered over 180,000 signatures.