People have been issued a word of warning over BBQs as temperatures are set to reach 33C on June 30 (Image: Getty )
As Brits prepare to bask in the scorching weather this weekend, a specific regulation could potentially disrupt many plans if not adhered to. The Met Office has forecast that it will be “mostly dry through the weekend, with sunny spells. Turning very warm for some, especially southeastern parts.”
Saturday, June 28, is expected to see temperatures soar to 29C, rising to 32C on Sunday, June 29, and possibly reaching a sweltering 33C on Monday, June 30. These sizzling conditions are likely to draw millions to beaches and parks. A popular British pastime during such hot weather is firing up a barbecue.
However, easyfundraising is issuing a warning to anyone planning to use disposable barbeques in public parks and council-controlled green spaces this weekend. This is due to new council-led initiatives, which could result in fines of £100 for those who light up their grills in public areas.
This caution comes as Brits are still recovering from last week’s hottest day of the year. According to WXCharts, another wave of high temperatures is set to bake the UK leading up to June 30, reports Wales Online.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber alerts across England. Temperatures predicted to exceed 30C for most households.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) can ban barbecues in parks and public spaces (Image: Getty)
As the mercury rises, the team at easyfundraising is urging everyone to be mindful of the regulations in their local parks and green spaces. Although it is tempting to grab a picnic blanket and a disposable BBQ, in some areas, it could lead to serious consequences.
In a bid to reduce excessive rubbish and damage to parks, councils are increasingly implementing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in green areas. These regulations often include stringent rules against using disposable BBQs, implying that your picnic could end up costing you more than a trip to the supermarket this weekend.
Before having a BBQ in a public park, make sure to visit your council’s website (Image: Getty)
What is a PSPO, and what risks does it pose?
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a legal instrument that allows local authorities, in partnership with the police, to tackle anti-social behaviour in public places. PSPOs are designed to address specific issues such as loud noise, public drinking, or aggressive begging by imposing restrictions on certain activities within a designated area.
The aim of these orders is to ensure public spaces are safe and pleasant for all. PSPOs improve the quality of life for residents by reducing or eliminating antisocial behaviour in communal spaces.
They impose specific prohibitions or requirements regarding behaviour in a specified area, like restricting alcohol consumption, requiring dogs to be on leads, or prohibiting certain activities. PSPOs are authorised under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Breaching a PSPO is deemed a criminal offence, which could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or legal proceedings.
Certain parks allow the use of BBQs, but many others don’t (Image: Getty)
Councils must liaise with the local community and police before implementing a PSPO. PSPOs can be in place for up to three years and are subject to review and extension.
Could firing up a barbecue in a park lead to a PSPO?
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has the power to prohibit barbecues in public parks and open spaces to minimise fire hazards and anti-social behaviour. Infringing a PSPO could lead to a fixed penalty notice (usually £100) or legal action, potentially resulting in a fine of up to £1,000.
Before sparking up a barbecue in a public park, it’s advisable to check your council’s website to familiarise yourself with the rules surrounding barbecue usage. While many parks nationwide allow disposable BBQs in designated areas, some parts of the UK have introduced bans in recent years.
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To determine whether your local council has a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), you can visit its website or contact it directly. Councils must make information about PSPOs available, detailing where they are enforced and the restrictions they entail. Typically, this information is located in sections pertaining to community safety, public spaces, or anti-social behavior on the council’s website.
Barbecues can pose a risk of starting fires, especially in dry conditions, posing a significant danger to both public safety and the environment. BBQs can also generate noise, rubbish, and various disturbances, impacting other visitors’ enjoyment of the park.
The New Forest District Council has implemented a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in response to persistent fire damage and the risk of wildfires from campfires and barbecues. The council’s order prohibits the lighting of fires or barbecues, requiring individuals to extinguish them and surrender any related items.