Fireworks will only be allowed to be set off between 23.00 and 01.00 hours on New Year’s Eve if the four big cities get their way.

The mayors of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht have written to justice minister Ivo Opstelten and junior environment minister Wilma Mansveld asking for the time limitation.

‘New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day should be normal days during which people can get on with their work, walk their dog and not be afraid to visit the supermarket,’ Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb told the Telegraaf.

The mayors also want the period in which fireworks can be sold shortened.

Every year dozens of people lose limbs and eyes in the New Year firework frenzy and pressure has been mounting for a ban on sales to the public. However, ministers have refused to consider the idea, saying fireworks are part of the Dutch traditions.