Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he plans to take to safeguard aircraft pilots from potential impairment resulting from the misuse of laser pens.

The Government is exploring a number of options to address the threat from the misuse of laser pens.

There is specific legislation prohibiting the use of laser pens against aircraft. Under the Air Navigation Order (2009), it is an offence to direct or shine any light at any aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract the pilot of the aircraft. Anyone found guilty of this offence could be liable to a fine, up to a maximum of £2,500.

It is also an offence to “recklessly or negligently act in a manner to endanger an aircraft, or any person in an aircraft”. Anyone found guilty of this offence could be liable to a fine, up to 5 years imprisonment, or both.