Mims Davies MP Eastleigh has spoken out in Westminster to ensure that the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill responds to the safety concerns raised by Southampton Airport, following her recent visit to the airport with the Airport Minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon.
Mims said in the House of Commons Chamber,
‘The act of shining or directing a laser at the eyes of a person in control of a vehicle that is covered by part 4 is a cause of great concern at Southampton Airport, and its impact has been raised through consultative committees. The problem is particularly bad at regional airports. Many of my constituents work for NATS and report how dangerous these incidents are.
‘They are also very concerned about drones. Is there scope to include the misuse of drones in this part of the Bill?’
The Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling responded,
‘we are consulting on a new regime for drones, but the measures do not all have to go into primary legislation. I assure my hon. Friend that we are looking carefully at how to provide proper protection for airports and others from the use of drones in our society.’
Since raising the issue in the Commons, the British Airline Pilots’ Association has commended Mims’ comments, particularly for highlighting the danger of laser attacks. BALPA and Mims are in agreement that the Department for Transport need to take these issues seriously. Mims will continue to push for strong Government action in Westminster.
Mims also took the opportunity to ask how the Bill will support improvements to local congestion and air pollution in the Eastleigh constituency.
Chris Grayling assured her that
‘we see easing congestion as part of the solution. Emissions are generated not just by dirty vehicles, but when cars are stuck in traffic jams or crawl along slowly for long periods. The Government’s investment in the road infrastructure will therefore ease emission problems in areas in which congestion is the principal cause.’