MP calls for action over Leeds Bradford laser attacks
04.01.12
An MP has demanded answers from the Government about efforts to tackle dangerous laser pen attacks at Leeds Bradford Airport, after new figures revealed high numbers of incidents are continuing, the Telegraph & Argus reports. In 2010, there were almost 100 incidents involving planes taking off and landing at the airport, with some pilots reporting being dazzled and distracted. The figures are set to be similar for 2011, with 80 laser pen attacks recorded up to the beginning of November.
Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland said he was concerned about the lack of progress in reducing attacks at the airport. He said. ‘I received assurances from Theresa Villiers MP earlier in the year that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is doing all it can to prevent attacks at Leeds Bradford Airport, including the setting up of a working group on the issue. I will therefore be writing again, highlighting the fact that figures have remained the same and asking what further the department will be doing to tackle the problem and if they will come forward with a plan to address the issue.'
A spokesman for the CAA told the newspaper that the problems at Leeds Bradford were reflected across the country and hit out at the people who are shining the laser pens at planes. He said: ‘Nationally we are not yet seeing any let-up in laser attacks on aircraft. The people who are carrying out these attacks are either still ignorant of the dangers high-powered lasers present to the safe operation of an aircraft, or they simply do not care.'
'Pointing a laser at a plane or helicopter at any time could result in the pilot losing control of the aircraft, endangering the lives of all onboard and also people on the ground. We urge members of the public to report all sightings of green lasers, particularly in the vicinity of an airport, to the police immediately.’
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