Written question asked by Henry Smith (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 March 2012. It was answered by Theresa Villiers (Conservative) on Friday, 23 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Aviation: Lasers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance she has issued to (a) the courts and (b) Crown prosecutors on the (i) use of lasers and (ii) relevant offences in the air navigation orders.

Answer: It is for the police and prosecution authorities to decide what action to take in light of the circumstances of individual events. Under the Air Navigation Order it is an offence to act negligently or recklessly in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft. On conviction, an offender could face an unlimited fine and/or a custodial sentence of up to five years. It is also an offence under the Air Navigation Order to:"““direct or shine any light at any aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract the pilot of the aircraft””."This offence can attract a fine of up to £2,500.

Secondary information