Administrative liability in the form of fines of £300 to £2,500 for each day of infringement or criminal liability may ensue for UK residents using stove heating, writes the Daily Mail newspaper on February 1.
It is reported that the British government “Stop the abuse of stoves” and instructed municipal leaders to consider imposing civil fines on the spot, which could be as high as £300.
As a justification for why this is necessary, the objective of caring for nature and the health of citizens is established. Furnaces are said to produce “Emissions of ‘particles’ smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which is one of the most harmful types of air pollution”. The publication informs that in the United Kingdom these emissions “increased 35% between 2010 and 2020.”
It is specified that “The most persistent offenders may be prosecuted with a fine of up to £5,000 plus an additional £2,500 for each subsequent day of offence.”
The new rules mean that all new wood-burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces must meet strict new Ecodesign requirements.
The regulations stipulate that the stove must be independently tested by an approved laboratory and must meet the requirements for air quality and smoke particles.
The new rules also prohibit the sale of certain stove fuels. It will be possible to sell only an oven that meets the new strict rules.
It is added that wood stoves that the English already have can be used, restrictions apply to those who are in “smoke control zones”.
“Smoke Control Zones” are specific areas designated by local municipalities where there is a limit to the amount of smoke homeowners can emit from a fireplace and where only certain approved fuels can be burned.
Under the UK Clean Air Act, wood cannot be burned in smoke control areas unless smoke filtering equipment is used. Homeowners can find out if they live in a smoke control zone by contacting their local government environmental services department.
UK Environment Minister Teresa Coffey told The Times she had no plans to ban wood-burning stoves or open fireplaces altogether, but acknowledged that many homeowners “I don’t understand its impact on the environment.”
However, the NGO ClientEarth, which has won cases against the government over pollution, called for a phased ban on stove heating.
The representative of this organization, Andrea Lee, said: “Pollution from burning wood is a growing source of fine particle pollution in some areas, posing a serious threat to human health.”
The publication recalls that in Great Britain, in accordance with the new rules for burning logs, which came into force in May 2021, the sale of bagged charcoal and wet wood in volumes of less than two cubic meters has become illegal. Bulk damp wood should be sold with advice on how to dry it before burning.
“Only certain types of wood are suitable for burning, and the wood must be dry—that is, have a moisture content of less than 20 percent. Homeowners are advised to check this figure by purchasing a moisture meter or ensuring the wood is from a reputable supplier.” – says the article.
It is also said that in Great Britain heating with stoves has recently become popular and in the country one can count “million” British who use stoves and fireplaces.
Let’s remember that in connection with the increase in heating tariffs and the cost of living crisis, many Britons are forced to use heating points and free distribution of products. Many Britons cannot afford to heat their homes in the winter.
Also read: Brits have to beg and feel ‘betrayed by country’
Source: Rossa Primavera
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