Scotland's police chiefs are calling for legislation governing the sale of fireworks to be tightened.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) said that the current laws and voluntary codes of practice are outdated.

It wants to see tighter vetting procedures of retailers and an increase in the price of the sellers' certificate from the current level of �13.

Acpos also wants training certificates to be introduced for those selling fireworks and a more "positive" policy of prosecuting offenders.

A positive prosecution policy for offenders needs to be adopted

David Mellor Fife Constabulary

The legislative framework is currently controlled by the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 and the Explosives Acts of 1875 and 1923.

David Mellor, Fife's Deputy Chief Constable and spokesperson for Acpos, said these laws were "certainly past their sell-by date".

"We firmly believe that the regulations governing the manufacture, storage and retail sale of fireworks are in desperate need of review.

"In meeting modern needs they simply do not go nearly far enough.

True cost

"Anyone can apply for registration to allow them to sell fireworks, for instance.

"This costs just �13, there is no provision for refusal or revocation of an application and it remains valid for 12 months. Why all year when there is only one 5 November?"

Mr Mellor said that the current laws make conditions difficult for police forces around the country.

He said that in many cases fireworks were being set off indiscriminately or thrown at people.

In Fife last year police dealt with 745 calls from the public relating to the abuse of fireworks - 18 in September, 502 in October and 225 in November.

Mr Mellor said the case for tightening the laws was now overwhelming.

Police said fireworks pose a real threat

"There needs to be stringent vetting of sellers to ensure that those applying for a certificate are of good character," he said.

"Applicants for a certificate to sell fireworks should be required to show need before being granted a certificate.

"A positive prosecution policy for offenders needs to be adopted and there is a specific need for approved certified training for those involved in the handling and safety of fireworks."

Mr Mellor said police forces believed that only people with training certificates should be allowed to buy and sell fireworks.

'Illegal fireworks'

He also called for more stringent security requirements for the storage of fireworks and legislation covering the periods during which they can be supplied or sold.

Mr Mellor added: "There is, of course, some support for a complete ban on the sale of domestic fireworks but it is recognised that this would be extremely difficult to enforce.

"Alternative sources of fireworks would remain available - the internet, Europe and self-manufacture being just some - so there is a real danger that a black market in illegal fireworks could spring up."