Laser pointers are cool stuff to use, on or off the airsoft field. Apart from using it as a targeting tool for more accurate shooting against the OPFOR, lasers can also be used as for presentations in front of clients and students. But they can also be dangerous even if they look harmless as they can pose a danger to pilots, drivers, and motorists. Anything that happens to them in the course of their duties if they get disoriented or temporarily blinded by a laser shined on them can cause catastrophic  accidents that can lead to serious injuries and death.

Whilst, the United Kingdom government has been clamping on such offenses as pressure for pilots’ unions kept on increasing, the number of incidents of laser being used against pilots, and now against drivers of trains and buses has been increasing over the years.  There are punishments such as a fines up to £2,500 under the Air Navigation Order, or if it is more serious, prison terms are meted to offenders.

The police had to prove that such action must prove the aircraft was put into danger, but now the UK government will get tougher and they will taking a “common sense” approach to this increasing menace to drivers and pilots. This time, it will make it an offence to shine at any transport operator, be it in the air, sea or land. No need for the police to prove that the vehicle and occupants was put into danger, as they just need to prove only the offence of shining the laser.

Laser Pens (Source: Wikimedia)

Secretary of State For Transport, Chris Grayling said, “Shining a laser pointer at pilots or drivers is incredibly dangerous and could have fatal consequences. 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.” He further adds that, “There are around 1,500 laser attacks on aircraft every year in the UK and we know there have been similar attacks on trains and buses. What I am announcing today (5 February 2017) are plans to give the police effective powers to investigate and bring those who misuse lasers to justice.”

According to the Department for Transportation (DfT), the measures will be included in a vehicle technology and aviation bill, which will be published and submitted to the UK parliament very soon.