Police are set to be given powers to prevent the unsafe or
criminal use of drones as part of a new package of legislation.
The measures are intended to allow drone users to continue flying
safely and legally, helping to place the UK at the forefront of
the fast-growing drone industry. This will also pave the way for
the devices to be harnessed for a range of uses by businesses and
public services.
The draft Drone Bill, which will be published next Spring, will
give officers the right to order operators to ground drones where
necessary. Officers will also be able to seize drone parts to
prove it has been used to commit an offence.
New measures will also make it mandatory for drone owners to
register to improve accountability. And drone operators will be
required to use apps – so they can access the information needed
to make sure any planned flight can be made safely and legally.
Banning drones from flying near airports or above 400 feet could
also form part of the new regulations.
The news comes as funding for a pioneering new drones programme
is announced to help cities shape the way this new technology
operates and the benefits it brings.
Aviation Minister said:
“Drones have great potential and we want to do everything
possible to harness the benefits of this technology as it
develops.
“But if we are to realise the full potential of this incredibly
exciting technology, we have to take steps to stop illegal use of
these devices and address safety and privacy concerns.
“These new laws strike a balance, to allow the vast majority of
drone users to continue flying safely and responsibly, while also
paving the way for drone technology to revolutionise businesses
and public services.”
The Government will publish the draft Drone Bill for consultation
and introduce secondary legislation amendments in spring 2018.
Changes to the Air Navigation Order will mean that that mean:
· drone users will have to sit safety awareness tests
· users of drones weighing 250 grams and over will in future have
to be registered
The Government is also working closely with drone manufacturers
to use geo-fencing to prevent drones from entering restricted
zones.
The Flying High Challenge, funded by the government and run by
Nesta in partnership with Innovate UK, is set to launch tomorrow
(Monday, 27 November) when cities will be invited to register
their interest.
Up to five cities will be supported in the research and
development of drone technology which could transform critical
services in – for example, emergency health services and organ
transport, essential infrastructure assessment and repair, and
parcel delivery and logistics.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Criminal Misuse of
Drones, Assistant Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said:
“Police forces are aware of the ever increasing use of drones by
members of the public and we are working with all relevant
partners to understand the threats that this new technology can
pose when used irresponsibly or illegally. Do not take this
lightly – if you use a drone to invade people’s privacy or engage
in disruptive behaviour, you could face serious criminal charges.
“Police officers will use all available powers to investigate
reports of criminal misuse of drones and seek the appropriate
penalty. Make sure you know the rules for using a drone because
it is always your responsibility to ensure that you are acting
within the law and in line with the Civil Aviation Authority’s
Drone Code.”
Tim Johnson, Policy Director at the CAA said:
“The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) supports the safe development
of drones in the UK. Drones can bring economic and workplace
safety benefits but to achieve those we need everyone flying a
drone now to do so safely. We welcome plans to increase drone
operator training, safety awareness and the creation of no-fly
zones.
“We have been working with Government and the aviation and drone
industries to educate drone operators by successfully promoting
the Dronecode, which provides an easy to follow guide to UK drone
rules.”
Notes to editors:
The CAA’s Dronecode can be found at:
http://dronesafe.uk/drone-code/
