Support for a ban on the sale of more dangerous types of fireworks to the general public is mounting in parliament, but the two biggest coalition parties – the VVD and CDA – remain firmly opposed, according to research by broadcaster NOS.

While the pro-animal PvdD and GroenLinks have drawn up a motion calling for a total ban, the two other coalition parties – D66 and ChristenUnie – have come out in favour of tougher rules on the sale of rockets and firecrackers.

Only the two ruling parties and the far right FvD and PVV oppose any further restrictions.

This means 76 MPs support either a ban or tougher restrictions on the sale of fireworks, even though a record number of people were injured in this year’s New Year firework frenzy.

Two people died and almost 1,300 people were treated for firework-related injuries, according to public safety research group VeiligheidNL. Of them, 385 were helped at hospital accident and emergency departments.

Police chiefs and safety experts have all called on parliament to get tough on fireworks or bring in a total ban.

An increasing number of local majors would also like to see more restrictions, including several CDA and VVD mayors, NOS reported.

Update: Tuesday afternoon.
VVD parliamentary party leader Klaas Dijkhoff said on Facebook that he is ‘not deaf and blind’ to people’s concerns about fireworks

The VVD is currently debating the issue internally in depth, Dijkhoff said.