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Yes, they're banning lasers here

After you've watched how bureaucrats and regulators work, some things are very easy to foresee.

That's how come I was able to say predict when I wrote this column that there would soon be "an inevitable ban on the importation and sale of anything other than a trivially powerful laser".

And, sure enough, yesterday the government announced its intention to pass laws that would forbid the importation, sale (and possibly) possession of these evil devices.

To be fair, you have to see their point -- they *can* be rather dangerous when in the wrong hands.

Not only can even a glancing flash at close range from a laser with a few hundred mW or more of power produce permanent eye damage, but it seems that there are just too many twats out there who think it's fun to use them as a weapon against aircraft.

Normally I'd suggest that this is a problem best addressed by way of education rather than regulation - but then again, there are mindless morons out there who seem so dim as to be beyond education.

However, it would seem that most of those who engage in these "dangerous acts" with hi-powered laser pointers are relatively young. Perhaps the exuberance and stupidity of youth plays a large role in such abuses.

I wonder therefore, whether a better option than an outright ban might be an age restriction with stiff penalties for infringement.

We don't let people drive vehicles, own guns or fly aircraft until they have reached a certain age and have passed a proficiency test to show that they're not only aware of the risks and capable of competent use -- but also of suitable character to use devices that could cause injury or death to others. So why not do the same with hi-powered lasers?

For a start, make them an R25 device, restricted only to those whose hormones have settled somewhat and who have left behind the irrationality of puberty. Perhaps also some education in schools to demonstrate the *dangers* of misusing such devices.

Hmmm...

Hang on, that's all a bit hard isn't it?

That would require someone to actually get off their fat bum and do something positive to reduce the levels of risk that these devices may pose.

Nah... just ban them -- so much easier, leaving plenty of time to have another coffee and scoff a few more biscuits before the departmental bell rings at 5pm and everyone can go home.

The problem with bans, as a sole method of dealing with potentially risky devices and behaviour is -- it doesn't work!

We've banned speeding, theft, rape, murder and P.

That's working well, isn't it?

I think even the police would have to concede that the most effective weapon they've had in reducing the incidence of drink-drive offenses has been *education*. Teach people what's right and what's wrong then let peer pressure and an awareness of the risks do the job.

Sure, ban these things if you must, but don't treat such a ban as "the final solution" because it most certainly is not.

Ah well, I'm off to do some more work on my rail gun. :-)

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