Stringent laser misuse laws come into force in UK

New laws that put tough penalties for people who target vehicles including train, planes, cars and boats with lasers have come into force in the UK.

Under the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act,  offenders will face penalties of up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Further, the act expands the law to safeguard air traffic controllers carrying out flight navigation work.

Under the new law, police and law enforcement will have more powers to catch and prosecute offenders given that there is no need now to prove intention to endanger a vehicle.

UK Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: “Lasers, used recklessly, can have very serious, potentially fatal consequences. This government has toughened up the law to crack down on this dangerous behaviour.

“These new laws offer greater protection for operators and passengers alike against irresponsible and reckless laser use.”

The new law was introduced in December. As per the latest figures, the number of laser aviation incidents dropped in March to the lowest levels since 2009.

BALPA flight safety head Dr Rob Hunter said: “The public needs to recognise that lasers are not toys and shining one at an aircraft endangers all those on board and anyone on the ground.

“The police now have greater powers, and anyone caught could face 5 years in jail. This legislation removes the need for police officers to establish proof of intention to endanger so people will find it much harder to hide behind the claim they ‘did it by accident’.

“If you have bought a laser for your kids or have one that you don’t really need, we suggest you take the batteries out and throw it away. It’s not worth you, or someone close to you, getting a criminal record for the sake of what is mistakenly believed to be a toy.”