Councillors have once again voted to ban the use of fireworks during the Bonfire Night period across Edinburgh, with fines up to £5,000 for those who breach the decision.Edinburgh Council approved the creation of fourteen firework control zones across the Scottish capital on Monday, prohibiting displays between October 30 and November 8.The restrictions will apply to neighbourhoods including Corstorphine, Niddrie, Calton Hill, West Pilton, and Wester Hailes, among others.Those who breach the regulations under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Act 2022 could face penalties of up to £5,000 or imprisonment up to six months.Labour councillor Margaret Graham said: “We know that fireworks can have a significant impact on vulnerable people and pets, which is why it’s important that we use every tool available to support safer celebrations.”The number of designated zones has grown over the years, rising from just four areas in the first year to nine last year and now fourteen.This rapid expansion prompted some councillors to question whether the piecemeal approach remained practical.”At what point does it become a bit ridiculous to have 25 or 30 or 35 zones,” Councillor Dan Heap asked during Monday’s meeting.PICTURED: Fireworks burst over Edinburgh as Scotland storms into 2026 | PA”These are fairly small, but when we get into high numbers we’ll have a ridiculous patchwork, at what point does it become sensible to have a city-wide zone, which actually isn’t explicitly ruled out by law.”The zones were established following consultations with local residents, who could apply for their areas to receive protection during the ten-day period.Corporate Director of Place, Gareth Barwell, defended the council’s current strategy whilst acknowledging room for future consideration.He said: “I think the approach we are taking right now seems to be effective, but I do equally think as a community safety partnership we should be looking at evidence and evaluation to understand that there are areas in the city where people maybe haven’t quite got the time to bring forward firework control zones.”I wouldn’t like to think they are suffering as a result. I wouldn’t say that the door has been closed on the rationale behind it, but I think the approach we are taking right now seems to be effective.”The scheme appears to have also affected the firework retail market in Edinburgh, with the number of traders plummeting from 33 in 2024 to just two by last year.Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland’s divisional commander for Edinburgh, said: “Fireworks Control Zones are implemented by local authorities and are one of a range of tools which help us tackle antisocial behaviour, disorder and violence that can arise over Bonfire Night.”Responses from residents and community organisations indicated the zones had successfully curbed disruptive behaviour during previous firework seasons.Edinburgh Zoo, located within the new Corstorphine zone, has long advocated for stricter controls on pyrotechnics.Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said the restrictions would offer “protection for vulnerable wildlife, pets and residents in the Corstorphine area”.He added: “We do only consider this one step toward what we consider is needed, which is a total ban on the public sale of fireworks.”