Bonfire Night motorists issued £300 fine warning

Motorists have been given an urgent heads-up with Bonfire Night approaching, warning that a simple slip could hit them with a hefty £300 fine.

Swansay Motor Group's motoring buffs have detailed key legal and safety guidelines for drivers to adhere to just days prior to the fiery festivities.

Those "caught with over 56kg of fireworks without the required licence or registration" face the possibility of receiving six penalty points on their licence.

Read more: Drivers face £200 fines over 'small print'

Additionally, they might find themselves slapped with a £300 fine and risk having their car insurance invalidated.

Individuals considering the transport of fireworks are being advised to ensure they have appropriate insurance coverage after consulting with their providers.

The aficionados at SMG also recommend vigilance against moisture accumulation inside vehicles when storing fireworks, as dampness can lead to a leak of explosive substances from the fireworks themselves.

This in turn may make the fireworks more erratic and thus increase the danger.

Highlighting further concerns, they stated: "Fireworks should always be supervised in the car, as this increases the risk of them becoming unsafe."

Chipping in, SMG's own Matt Springhall remarked: "Bonfire Night should be a time of joy and celebration, but it's important that safety remains above all else."

"Not following regulations can have serious consequences, especially surrounding firework transportation and storage."

"The rule isn't about stifling celebration, but protecting everyone on the road."

"Sometimes we forget, but fireworks are explosive materials and therefore carry inherent risk."

Despite much anticipation for the November 5 festivities, memories of last year's chaos still linger among Leicestershire partygoers.

Some 300 vehicles were marooned for hours in the mud at an impromptu parking area at Cattows Farm, close to Ibstock.

In a social media update at 9.35pm, Leicestershire & Rutland 4x4 Response remarked that the mud was "so bad that even our responders are struggling to access parts of the fields".