FINES of up to £2,500 and even jail sentences are set to be introduced as part of tougher sentences for people who shine laser pens to distract pilots, train and bus drivers.

It is already illegal to shine lasers at pilots but under current laws, police have to prove a person endangered the aircraft when shining a laser. 

Under new laws, shining lasers at any transport operator will be an offence.

Attackers will face fines and a jail sentence under the new legislation.

Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling said: “Shining a laser pointer at pilots or drivers is incredibly dangerous and could have fatal consequences. Whilst we know laser pens can be fun and many users have good intentions, some are not aware of the risks of dazzling drivers or pilots putting public safety at risk. That’s why we want to take the common sense approach to strengthen our laws to protect the public from those who are unaware of the dangers or even worse, intentionally want to cause harm. This kind of dangerous behaviour risks lives and must be stopped.

“There are around 1,500 laser attacks on aircraft every year in the UK and we know there have been similar attacks on trains and buses. 

“What I am announcing are plans to give the police effective powers to investigate and bring those who misuse lasers to justice.”

The powers and penalties for the offence will be outlined in upcoming legislation.

Steve Landells, flight safety specialist at the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) said: “BALPA welcomes this move to tighten the law on lasers. 

“Any move to give the police and authorities more powers to tackle this real and growing threat to flight safety is a good thing,”