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Gegli news - People who shine lasers at aircraft could face five years in jail and unlimited fines - 12/20/2017 9:24:22 AM 9:24:22 AM 

It is hoped the tougher punishments for laser misuse will deter people from the "deeply irresponsible and dangerous" crime.

 People who shine lasers at aircraft could face up to five years in prison in a new bill to be published on Wednesday.

Offenders could also face unlimited fines under the safety measures being implemented by the Department for Transport.

Laser pens, which can be easily purchased online or on the high street, can cause eye damage and temporary blindness.

Under current legislation, someone found guilty of shining a laser pen at an aircraft faces a maximum fine of just £2,500.

The Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Bill will expand the types of vehicles covered under the law to include trains, buses, boats and hovercraft.

Police are warning that shining a laser at an aircraft or another moving vehicle is "deeply irresponsible and dangerous".

Commander Simon Bray from the National Police Chiefs' Council said: "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."

Ministers have warned laser misuse can have 'fatal consequences'
Image:Ministers have warned laser misuse can have 'fatal consequences'

The new laws will make it easier to prosecute people who shine lasers at vehicles, as it will no longer need to be proved that they intended to endanger it.

If reasonable precautions are not taken to avoid dazzling or distracting a vehicle operator, it will still be an offence regardless of whether it was deliberate.

Aviation minister Baroness Sugg warned laser misuse can have "fatal consequences".

She added: "The Government is determined to protect pilots, captains, drivers and their passengers and take action against those who threaten their safety."

Pilots have been increasingly targeted by laser pens in recent years, with the first laser attack on an aircraft reported in 2004.

There have been about 1,500 incidents in the UK each year since 2011 - with 1,258 reported in 2016.


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