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 on December 20, 2017, will also expand the list of vehicles, beyond just planes, which it is an offence to target with lasers. Drivers of coaches and buses, along with trains, captains of boats and even pilots of hovercraft will be among those protected by the new legislation.
The bill aims to 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, Baroness Sugg, 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.
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.
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.”
