Households using log burners in England could face instant fines of up to £300, depending on their location across 27 cities and towns. The penalties apply in designated Smoke Control Areas, where emitting smoke from a chimney is prohibited.
What Are Smoke Control Areas?
Smoke Control Areas are legally defined zones where burning that produces smoke from chimneys is banned. These areas are established by local councils to reduce air pollution and protect public health. Most major English cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Liverpool, fall under such restrictions.
Fines and Penalties
If you break the rules, you can be issued a financial penalty of between £175 and £300. Using unauthorised fuels in a smoke control area can result in fines of up to £1,000. Defra states that exempted stoves, such as wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, are allowed if they meet low-emission standards and are used with recommended fuels.
List of Affected Cities
- London (all except West Ham)
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Sheffield
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Newcastle
- Wakefield
- Nottingham
- Derby
- Bristol
- Bath
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Bradford
- Preston
- Leicester
- Norwich
- Peterborough
- Hull
- Doncaster
- Wolverhampton
- Worcester
- Coventry
- Milton Keynes
- Reading
- Portsmouth
- Brighton
Other towns and parishes also have smoke control areas, and some parts within these cities may be exempt. Residents are advised to check the Defra website to see if their area is covered.
A Defra spokesperson said: 'This is about cutting the most harmful emission to human health, usually in built-up areas where they can do most damage, and is not about whether a building has a chimney. Smoke Control Areas stop chimneys from releasing smoke and only allow certain fuels to be burnt unless an approved appliance is used. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing Smoke Control Areas to protect the health of local communities.'
