Police plan laser crackdown
20.09.10
Police are to launch a capmaign to crackdown on an increasingly number of laser incidents on aircraft landing and taking off at Bristol Airport. They are planning to step up their campaign against offenders, who are contravening the Air Navigation Order 2009, which carries a maximum fine of £2500 or a 5 year jail sentence.
Since January 1 there have been 37 incidents reported by pilots flying in to or taking off from Bristol Airport, where green laser beams of light have been directed at aircraft. However, 23 of these incidents have been reported since August 1. Pilots are being targeted on final landing approaches from the west (Weston-super-Mare and Congresbury) and the east (Bath, Chew Magna and South Bristol).
PC Adrian Chilcott of the airport police unit said: ‘Aircraft approaching Bristol Airport have seen an increase in the number of incident involving lasers dazzling pilots. This is particularly dangerous as at night flight crew work within a cockpit with low-level lighting, so the pilots’ eyes are accustomed to the dark. A sudden and intense green light directed at the aircraft causes a problem, and could lead to a serious incident.’
Police officers based at Bristol Airport are urging members of the public to be vigilant and report offenders. Anyone with information is asked to contact the team on 0845 4567 000.
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