Public told to snoop on lightbulb law breakers

The public have been asked to 'snoop' on shopkeepers who continue to sell traditional light bulbs banned by Europe.

The Telegraph reports there is evidence of people hoarding the old fashioned bulbs around Europe and enforcement agencies are ready to crack down.

"Under this Government we begin to resemble East Germany in the 1980s where we snoop and report on local businesses," he said. "No doubt the next move will be to snoop on your parents if they continue to use old fashioned light bulbs."

From September 1, it will be illegal to import conventional pearl or frosted bulbs of any shape or wattage. Traditional incandescent bulbs of 100 watts will also be banned under European law aimed at reducing energy bills and carbon dioxide emissions.

They will be replaced by energy saving lights, which usually use flourescent tubes, but it is thought some consumers will still prefer their 'traditional' bulbs, particularly for reading lamps.

There is evidence of people hoarding the old fashioned bulbs around Europe and enforcement agencies are ready to crack down on unscrupulous businessmen who continue to import the "illegal bulbs" from factories in China.

In Britain, trading standards officers will be carrying out inspections and are asking members of the public to report any shop continuing to stock the illegal bulbs.

Any individual found importing the bulbs into the EU will face a £5,000 fine and it could be an unlimited amount for big companies.

The Department for the Environment insisted it was necessary to use the law to ensure people buy energy efficient bulbs that will save them around £37 per annum on energy bills and save the UK one million tonnes of carbon every year.

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