The UK Government has published a new bill seeking a fresh set of penalties such as unlimited fines, imprisonment for up to five years or both for the people who shine or direct a laser at aircraft.
The new Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Bill also includes other modes of transportations such as road vehicles and ships.
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The bill aims to protect aircraft pilots, drivers of trains and buses, as well as captains of boats.
It expects to simplify the prosecution process by eliminating the existing requirement to prove the offender’s intention to endanger a vehicle.
The legislation also intends to remove the current cap of £2,500 imposed on the offenders, as well as give additional power to the police to catch those responsible for misuse of lasers.
UK Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: “Lasers can dazzle, distract or blind those in control of a vehicle, with serious and potentially even fatal consequences.
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By GlobalData“The government is determined to protect pilots, captains, drivers and their passengers and take action against those who threaten their safety.”
Use of laser pens are posing increasing safety concerns as beams from these devices can affect the ability of transport operators to control their vehicles.
Last year, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority received 1,258 reports of laser incidents, with Heathrow being the most frequent location where the devices were used recklessly.
Earlier this year, the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy ran a call for evidence on the selling of laser pointers and is currently reviewing the findings.
