People will be fined if smoke is seen coming from their chimney

Warning letters and fines will be sent to people in one area of England if smoke is seen rising from their chimney. South Gloucestershire has brought in restrictions on log burners and other household open fires to address air pollution.

If smoke is seen rising from a chimney in an area south of the M4, residents will first receive a warning letter. If it is seen a second time, there will be a further warning followed by a final notice accompanied by a fine of £175 for the first offence and £300 for repeat offences.

The council said this was not an outright ban on domestic solid fuel, fires or stoves but was aimed at improving air quality. The restrictions will only apply to indoor fires and therefore barbecues, chimineas, pizza ovens and bonfires are exempt as they are outside and not in a building.

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The council has been granted new legal powers to issue these fines, which are intended to improve air quality by reducing harmful pollution known as particulate matter, or PM2.5. This type of pollution is produced from burning wood and can lead to serious health issues.

This move follows a similar decision made by Bristol City Council last September, although their leaders later labelled the policy as a "bit of a joke" and ineffective due to lack of government funding for enforcement.

A report presented to the South Gloucestershire Council cabinet on Monday, April 15, stated: "Enforcement action will not be necessary if authorised fuels or a Defra-approved appliance are used but may apply to a small number of solid fuel appliances especially if operated in a way that does not comply with the regulations. This is not a complete ban on burning fuels or of fires, burners or stoves but aimed at ensuring fuels and devices are used more efficiently. Bristolians using log burners unlikely to be fined as new policy is a 'bit of a joke'South Gloucestershire Council leaders defend library cuts in deprived areas"Smoke from outdoor burning is not covered by smoke control area rules. This therefore excludes from enforcement action

"The smoke control area spans an extensive region south of the M4, encompassing areas between the M5 and M32, including Filton, Stoke Gifford, Patchway, Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, and some parts of Kingswood. "

According to the report, residents found flouting the regulations would initially receive a written warning. If subsequent smoke emissions are observed, a second warning will be issued, followed by a final notice accompanied by a fine of £175 for the first offence and £300 for repeat offences.

At the meeting, Environmental health manager Shaun Fudge highlighted that council support is available through the Warm and Well energy advice partner, offering grants and low-interest loans for home improvements like insulation and renewable energy solutions.

Cllr Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities and local place, said: "The negative impact of small particulates on public health is well documented, so every step we can take to reduce those emissions should be welcomed as an improvement to the lived environment in those affected areas. "

Cabinet member for climate and nature emergency, Cllr Louise Harris said: "As with all things in life it's a question of balance and with this policy we are trying to do that taking into account air quality issues, reports Bristol Live.

The key thing is the extra support for energy advice for people who might be affected by it, which I certainly welcome. ".