Laser pointers banned in NSW

Already banned in Victoria, laser points are about to become a prohibitive weapon in NSW

Already banned in Victoria, laser points are about to become a prohibitive weapon in NSW, with the state government expected to meet in Parliament to approve legislation banning the pointers later this month.

High-powered hand lasers, including so-called “star pointers” used by astronomers, would be listed as prohibited weapons in New South Wales with jail terms of up to 14 years for anyone carrying them without a permit.

To date, this year alone, there have been 140 attacks on aircrafts. Most recently six planes flying into Sydney airport came under a coordinated laser attack. Whilst just last week a hospital helicopter was targeted by a green laser beam.

Speaking with news.com, Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman Peter Gibson stated:
“The basic danger is that the laser will, at the very least, distract the pilot,” he said. “At worst, the pilot could be temporarily blinded. The risk is that while distracted, the pilot could make a mistake and therefore put the lives of the passengers at risk.”

NSW Premier Morris Iemma has described the act as “gutless and cowardly” and cautioned the light beams could be used to commit mass murder. He described the new laws as a preventative measure, stating:
“We are introducing new laws to stop the potential for mass murder,”

Earlier this month Adelaide man Lanfranco Baldetti, became one of the first people to be jailed for shining a laser at an aircraft.

Source: News.com