Time we curbed this reckless practice

EVERY day, at every airport, railway station and port in the country, experts are at work preventing passengers coming to harm.

Some of the threats that concern our emergency services are posed by would-be terrorists. Others are to do with the risk of accidents and collisions. Whatever the nature of the threat, the greatest danger is to become complacent. And that is something I just won’t allow.

We are acting now because the threat posed by the misuse of lasers has increased over time. Back in 2003, there had never been a reported case of a laser being shone at an aircraft. Last year, there were over 1,000.

Laser pointers used in these kinds of attacks can be bought on the John hayes internet for less than £1. Often they are sold as toys for entertaining pets.

We have so far been fortunate. No aircraft, train or truck in this country has had an accident as a result of this dangerous crime. But it is all too easy to imagine the potential consequences of a pilot being blinded by a laser while trying to land a passenger jet at one of our airports, or a train driver dazzled from a bridge. We have certainly come close enough to disaster – last year, a passenger jet taking off from Heathrow on a trip to New York had to turn back after the pilots were targeted by a laser shone from the ground.

The police have had some success in identifying suspects through the use of thermal cameras.

But the existing laws are not strong enough and the misuse of lasers demands a much tougher response.

These new laser laws will help protect passengers and drivers.

And the few reckless individuals who are willing to use laser pointers to risk the lives of others will get what they deserve – tough action, backed by law.