Laser and drone offences


Pilots’ union BALPA has welcomed a new government consultation on extending stop and search powers for police to cover laser and drone offences. 


“In our view, this is essential if the new offences contained in the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018 are to be effectively enforced and the drone threat tackled,” said general secretary Brian Strutton. 


He said the number of laser attacks on aircraft, and the increasing strength of lasers, remains a considerable concern for pilots. The increasing number of drones has been accompanied by a rise in irresponsible drone flying causing near misses with manned aircraft, and so putting passengers’ lives at risk. 


“This needs to be tackled on a number of fronts, but ensuring the police have the powers to stop and search for drone offences is an important one,” he added.


https://www.balpa.org/Media-Centre/Press-Releases/Pilots-welcome-extending-stop-and-search-powers-to