The government is moving forward with plans to give
police new powers to tackle drones misuse and abuse,
with the publication of their response to the
drones consultation today.
Following over 5,000 responses to the consultation, new
legislation will give police officers the additional
power to land drones and require users to produce the
proper documentation. The police will have the power to
search premises and seize drones — including electronic
data stored within the device — where a serious offence
has been committed and a warrant is secured.
The Home Office will also begin to test and evaluate
the safe use of a range of counter-drone technology in
the UK. This crucial technology will detect drones from
flying around sensitive sites, including airports and
prisons, and develop a range of options to respond to
drones, helping to prevent a repeat of incidents such
as that recently experienced at Gatwick.
Important safety proposals being taken forward include
better protection for our airports by significantly
extending the area around airports and runways in which
drones are banned from being flown. This builds on the
government’s changes to the law last year which made it
illegal to fly a drone above 400 feet or within 1
kilometre of an airport.
The Transport Secretary made a statement
in the House of Commons this evening.
Aviation Minister, said:
Drones have the potential to bring significant
benefits and opportunities, but with the speed of
technological advancement comes risk, and safety and
security must be our top priorities.
That’s why we are giving the police powers to deal
with those using drones irresponsibly. Along with
additional safety measures these will help ensure the
potential of this technology is harnessed in a
responsible and safe way.
The police will also be able to issue fixed-penalty
notices for minor drone offences to ensure immediate
and effective enforcement of vital rules. Fines of up
to £100 could be given for offences such as failing to
comply with a police officer when instructed to land a
drone, or not showing their registration to operate a
drone
