New South Wales to ban laser pointers
By
Iain Thomson
23 April 2008 07:29AM
Tags:
south | wales | ban | laser | pointers
A bill being considered by the governing body in New South Wales could see laser pointers classified as dangerous weapons..
The legislation follows a spate of incidents in which aircraft pilots have been temporarily blinded by laser pointers used from the ground.
Using a laser pointer 'improperly' would carry a $5,000 fine or two years in jail, or 14 years for improper use of a high-powered device.
New South Wales State Premier Morris Iemma claimed that the ban would "stop the potential for mass murder".
"I cannot underestimate the catastrophic consequences if a plane is brought down by one of these fools, these idiots, these reckless individuals who want to use these high-powered hand-held lasers and think it's a joke," he said.
Earlier this year six planes had to divert from Sydney airport after a laser pointer was aimed into the cockpits while on final approach. Last year a rescue helicopter carrying a critically ill patient was also forced to divert due to " laser disruption".
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