Homes smoke fines set to cover whole of town

The control area will cover all of Reading from 1 December, the council says

A scheme that could see residents fined if they release smoke through a chimney will be introduced later this year.

Smoke control areas (SCA) cover 62% of Reading already but the government has allowed the council to extend it to the whole town from 1 December.

Reading Borough Council said the move was part of its drive to improve air quality and make it a healthier place.

Anyone who flouts the SCA could be fined between £175 and £300.

Residents in an SCA can burn solid fuels which are on a government-approved list or use manufactured solid fuels which have the "ready to burn" logo.

Outdoor barbecues, chimeneas, garden fireplaces and pizza ovens can still be used as long as they do not release smoke through a building's chimney.

Garden bonfires are also allowed in SCAs if they follow council rules.

Councillor John Ennis, climate strategy and transport chief, said: “There has been an increase in the number of homes burning solid fuel in recent years and the smoke it emits can be damaging to people’s health.

“In fact, Public Health England estimates that solid fuel burning could now account for more than 30% of local particulate emissions, which can be particularly harmful to the young, elderly and those with respiratory problems.

“The creation of a borough-wide smoke control area will benefit residents’ health and make it easier for households to understand the rules about burning solid fuels in Reading.”