Just One Person Fined for Illegal Log Burner Use in Bristol Over Three Years

Bristol: It’s been a bit surprising to see how little action has been taken against illegal log burner use. Since the council got new powers to fine people, only one person has actually been fined. Can you believe that?

Back in 2022, the government gave councils the green light to issue on-the-spot fines for burning wood or using stoves that aren’t on the approved list. But even though log burners are a major source of pollution in Bristol, the council has only managed to investigate 14 cases this year.

The problem is, they didn’t get any extra funding to hire more staff to look into these complaints. So, when folks report smoke, the council can’t really tell what’s being burned in those homes. It’s a tough spot for them.

There’s been a big rise in log burner use, especially in those lovely Victorian homes around the city. Cllr Kaz Self is keen to raise awareness about this issue, especially with Clean Air Night coming up. She pointed out that pollution from wood burning is really noticeable this time of year, especially when the air is still.

The campaign group Mums for Lungs has highlighted that fine particles from wood smoke can lead to serious health issues, including asthma and even lung cancer. It’s a big deal, and Cllr Self is pushing for answers on how many fines have actually been issued since the new rules came into play.

A council spokesperson mentioned that there’s no longer a hefty fine for breaching Smoke Control Orders, which makes it even harder to enforce. They can issue on-the-spot fines for smoking chimneys, but it’s a lengthy process.

In 2024, the council only got 14 reports of excess smoke, the same as the previous year. Just one person was fined £175. It’s a bit of a joke, really, as Cllr Ellie King pointed out. The government handed down these new rules without any cash to back them up.

Former councillor Nicola Beech echoed that sentiment, saying the lack of funding means the policy doesn’t really have any teeth. With the cost of living crisis, people are turning to cheaper, but more harmful, heating methods.

The group Action for Clean Air is calling for more conversations about wood burning. They stress that burning wood is one of the most polluting ways to heat a home, releasing more carbon emissions than oil or gas. It’s crucial for people to understand the impact of their heating choices on both health and the environment.