The Science and Technology Committee today publishes its
Commercial and recreational drone use in the UK Report, which
highlights the need for a vision for the future for drones in the
UK, drawing on the opportunities and lessening risks presented by
increased drone use.
Benefits
During the inquiry, the Committee heard that the use of drones
had many societal and economic benefits, and were currently being
used in a number of different industries including:
§ photography;
§ videography;
§ infrastructure inspection;
§ search and rescue missions; and
§ organ delivery.
A recent report from PwC predicted that by 2030, 628,000 people
would be working in the drone industry in the UK, and that this
would have a £42bn net positive impact on the economy. Amazon has
already successfully trialled the use of drones to deliver goods
in the UK in 2016, and witnesses told us that in 2020, drone
taxis would be trialled in America for the first time.
Risks
The Committee also heard of the substantial risks to both safety
and privacy that drones may pose as they are incorporated into
our airspace.
Mixed reports about the risk of a drone colliding with an
aircraft were given, and the Committee were concerned to find
that the Government had not conducted a substantial and accurate
risk assessment of the impact of a drone colliding with an
aircraft.
The Committee also heard of a proposed registration scheme, that
was generally welcomed, and online test for all drone users set
to start in November of this year. The test is to ensure all
drone users are properly equipped to pilot a drone and to make it
easier to identify drones that may be used for illegal or
criminal purposes.
However, users queried the proposed fee assigned to the new
registration system, as well as the appropriateness of the online
test. The Committee believes that the registration system must be
fit for purpose, and that its design should not stop users from
registering. The Committee also believes that the Government
should not introduce any legislation that will unfairly impact
upon the recreational drone and model flying community.
Vision for the future
The Committee recognises that drone technology is moving at a
fast pace, carrying with it a multitude of opportunities and
risks. With this in mind, the Committee calls for the Government
to produce a comprehensive White Paper by Summer 2020, that sets
out its plans to integrate drones into society. This should
include:
§ Maximising the opportunities;
§ Mitigating the risks;
§ The role of drone safety education;
§ Regulations and registration; and
§ The necessary technological advancements required for such
innovations.
The Government should also clarify penalties relating to improper
drone use in the forthcoming 'Drones Bill'. The Committee
recommend the Government include explicit penalties for the
following in the legislation:
§ The weaponisation of drones;
§ Disabling in-built safety features; and
§ Failure to register.
The Government must also commit to research and innovation into
the technological advances of drones and ensure that the airspace
is fit for the integration of drones. This includes:
§ The creation of a system where all drones are traceable
(electronic conspicuity);
§ Funding and creating 'test beds' to trial unmanned airspace
management; and
Support universities and stakeholder innovations that are leading
in drone research.
Rt Hon , Chair of the Science and
Technology Committee, said:
“Drones are an exciting technology that present the UK economy
and society more generally with considerable benefits and
opportunities.
“However, it is vital that the Government gets ahead of the curve
in ensuring that drones are safely integrated into society,
investing in the relevant research and technology that will
create a safe airspace, if we are to fully realise these benefits
in the UK.
“The Government must set out a clear vision that outlines the
steps that it and other agencies will take to achieve a future
vision and we hope to see a White Paper no later than Summer
2020.
“We know there are risks. As such, a Drones Bill must be
introduced to Parliament next month. It must address the various
risks—from weaponisation to the invasion of privacy—posed by
drones. While legislation will not solve all the problems posed
by drones, including nefarious drone users, it is an important
step forward in making our airspace safer.
“The Government must recognise the extent of societal change that
drone technology can bring about and launch a public awareness
campaign that presents a realistic picture of the opportunities
and risks posed by drones.”
