People who target transport operators with laser devices could be
jailed for up to five years under new laws designed to protect
the public.
The Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Bill, which was published today
(Wednesday, 20 December),will also expand the list of
vehicles, beyond just planes, which it is an offence to
target with lasers.
Drivers of trains and buses, captains of boats and even pilots
of hovercraft will be among those protected by the new
legislation.
The Bill will make it easier to prosecute offenders by removing
the need to prove an intention to endanger a vehicle.
And it will remove the cap on the amount offenders can be fined –
which is currently limited to £2,500 – paving the way for
substantial sanctions. Fines could be issued in isolation or
alongside a prison sentence.
The police will also be given additional powers to catch those
responsible for the misuse of lasers.
Aviation Minister, said:
"Lasers can dazzle, distract or blind those in control of a
vehicle, with serious and potentially even fatal consequences.
“The Government is determined to protect pilots, captains,
drivers and their passengers and take action against those who
threaten their safety.”
Alongside their existing powers of arrest and the ability to
search a person once arrested, officers will no longer need to
establish proof of intention endanger to a vehicle, aircraft
or vessel, making it easier to prosecute swiftly. It will be
an offence to shine or direct a laser towards a vehicle if it
dazzles or distracts the operator, if done deliberately or if
reasonable precautions to avoid doing so are not taken.
Laser pens have become a growing concern with the beam from the
devices capable of affecting the ability of transport operators
to control their vehicles.
Last year, the Civil Aviation Authority received reports of 1,258
laser incidents, with Heathrow the most frequent location for
reports of the devices being used recklessly.
Earlier this year, the Department for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy ran a call for evidence on the selling of
laser pointers and is considering the findings before formally
responding in the new year.
BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton
said:
“This is good news for transport safety. BALPA pilots and other
transport workers have raised the growing threat of laser attacks
for some time.
“The Government’s announcement of a Bill to tackle the misuse of
lasers is therefore very welcome and we will work with DfT to
ensure its effective and speedy implementation.
“BALPA also welcomes the BEIS consultation on restrictions to the
supply of certain lasers which we hope will move forward
quickly.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Lasers,
Commander Simon Bray said:
“Recklessly shining a laser at an aircraft
or another moving vehicle is deeply irresponsible and dangerous.
By causing a distraction or, in some cases, short or long-term
eye damage, laser attacks can lead to catastrophic incidents.
“These new and robust measures send a clear message to
perpetrators: laser attacks are a crime and serious consequences
will follow from committing this offence.
“It is essential that the police have the powers required
to support these measures and we will continue to work with the
Government to ensure that these powers are in place.”
