The Science and Technology Committee is today launching an inquiry
to look at the ethical and safety implications of the
growing use of civilian drones, of all sizes, across the UK.
Drones have had a range of positive impacts across
a variety of industries, from commercial photography
and aerial surveying, through to crop spraying and parcel
delivery. However, following
increased recreational popularity, there have been
several suspected drone incidents, including dozens of ‘near
misses’ between drones and aircrafts.
Following two previous consultations on drone safety
and security and incursions at Gatwick and Heathrow
airports the Government is planning to bring forward a
‘Drones Bill’ in 2019.
The Committee is seeking written submissions
by Friday 12 April on:
- · The ethical
implications of civilian drones on citizen privacy and safety in
the UK;
- · The effectiveness
of built-in drone safety features, such as tracking and
monitoring capabilities, in mitigating the risks of civilian
drones;
- · The effectiveness
of anti-drone technology in mitigating the risks of civilian
drones;
- · The economic
opportunities arising from the growth of drone technology;
- · The success, or
otherwise, of regulatory frameworks for civilian drones and what
should be covered in the forthcoming ‘Drones Bill’;
- · The plans for
registration of civilian drones in the UK;
- · The current state
of drone safety education and research in the UK; and
- · International
comparators with exemplary drone-interference prevention
policies.
Rt Hon , Chair of the Science and
Technology Committee, said:
“Increased drone usage represents a significant
technological development and offers a range of
opportunities across a variety of UK industries.
“However, increased usage with a lack of
effective regulation also brings an unspecified amount
of potential risks to both national security and public
safety.
“We have seen highly publicised ‘near misses’ together with the
suspected drone interference at Gatwick airport, and to a lesser
extent Heathrow. This led to hundreds of flights being cancelled
and affected thousands of passengers.
“The number of recreational drones appears to be on the rise. We
must act now to ensure that there is effective
regulation before there is any further expansion. Now is the time
for us to influence Government thinking in light of recent
incidents and the upcoming Drones Bill.”
