Laser pen attackers face jail under government crackdown
Pointing the dazzling beams at all forms of transport will be made illegal, amid fears the activity could prove deadly.
Sunday 5 February 2017 14:47, UK
People shining laser pens at pilots or drivers face hefty fines or even prison under tough new powers to combat the threat.
Pointing the devices at planes, trains, taxis, buses and cars will be made illegal under government plans.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said shining a laser at pilots or drivers, risking causing temporary blindness, was "incredibly dangerous" and could be fatal.
It is currently an offence to shine lasers at pilots, with offenders facing fines of up to £2,500, but investigators must prove a person endangered the aircraft.
Under the new law, police will only have to prove the offence of shining the laser, and it will be extended to cover all forms of transport.
Laser attacks on aircraft have become a growing problem, with some 1,500 incidents now recorded a year.
In February last year, a Virgin flight to New York had to return to Heathrow afterand hit a pilot in the eye.
Mr Grayling said: "Whilst we know laser pens can be fun and many users have good intentions, some are not aware of the risks of dazzling drivers or pilots putting public safety at risk.
"That's why we want to take the common sense approach to strengthen our laws to protect the public from those who are unaware of the dangers or even worse, intentionally want to cause harm.
"This kind of dangerous behaviour risks lives and must be stopped."
Trains are also being increasingly targeted.
Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas, from British Transport Police, told Sky News: "Deliberately shining a laser pen or pointer at a train, particularly if a driver is targeted, is extremely dangerous.
"People shining lasers at trains may not think their actions are serious, but they are endangering the safety of train drivers and passengers.
"In 2014 and 2015, we recorded 118 incidents where lasers were shone directly at drivers and any new powers to help us investigate these types of offences and bring those involved to justice would be welcomed."
The powers and penalties for the offence will be outlined in upcoming legislation.
It is not illegal to buy a laser pen and they are easy to get hold of, often used in business presentations, in industry to show specific distances, by people in nightclubs and the military to mark targets at night.