This petition is now closed, as its deadline has passed.
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Change the licensing laws for Personal Locator Beacons. More details
Submitted by Jennifer Miller of Equine Ramblers UK – Deadline to sign up by: 18 August 2008 – Signatures: 421
Personal Locator Beacons are currently only licensed to marine users and hobby air pilots ten minutes from land. There are many people enjoying the countryside who could suddenly become ill or need assistance due to an accident. Mobile phones do not always have reception and battery life is limited.
The person requiring the Search and Rescue services do not always know their exact location. Personal Locator Beacons, if legalised for use on land, use a GPS locating signal via satellites that pin-point a users location once activated. This could save lives by saving time searching for the casualty and also save money for the rescue services. The use of a PLB could allow a companion to stay with an injured person and apply first aid.
The mis-use of Personal Locator Beacons on land is very unlikely to happen if the same rules apply in registration of the beacon with the PLB registry and the licensing with OFCOM.
Jennifer Miller, the Petition Creator, joined by: