Unmanned Aerial Vehicle The latest drone news
A no-fly drone zone has been extended around UK airports and runways, with tougher penalties for people breaking the law set to come into force.
From March 13, it is illegal to fly a drone above 400ft or within 5km of an airport, extending it from the current 1km restriction.
The Department for Transport has worked to bring in the new measure ahead of a new Drones Bill which will give police forces increased powers to deal with people using the devices illegally.
Penalties for misusing drones will range from fines to life imprisonment if the device is used to cause violence.
It comes after a drone brought London’s Gatwick Airport to a standstill for more than 36 hours in December.
The move has been welcomed by Richard Knight, the chief operating office at Newcastle International Airport, who said: “We are pleased that the drone exclusion zone has been extended by the government today, meaning it is now illegal for anyone to fly a drone within 5km of the airport or above 400ft.
“The extended drone exclusion zone and new Drones Bill police powers to clamp down on those misusing drones will further enhance airport safety and security.
“We will be working with the local communities to reinforce this message however we would like to remind the public that the use of drones near to an airport is both extremely dangerous and a criminal offence.”
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The new Drones Bill, which is currently being drafted, will give new powers to the police to clamp down on those misusing drones and other small unmanned aircraft – including the power to access electronic data stored on a drone with a warrant. It will also include stop and search powers for drone users near aerodromes.
From 30 November 2019, operators of drones between 250g and 20kg will be required to register and drone pilots take an online competency test. This will improve accountability of drone use and ensure the UK’s skies are safer from irresponsible flyers.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The UK has been consistently at the forefront of legislation to tackle drone misuse.
“All drone users should be aware that flying a drone within 5km of an airport or over 400ft is a serious criminal act, one which could put lives at risk and risks penalties ranging from significant fines to a life sentence.”
The Home Office is also reviewing the UK’s approach to countering the malicious use of drones, and will consider how best to protect the full range of the UK’s critical national infrastructure – including testing and evaluating technology to counter drones.
On March 20, the Aviation Minister Liz Sugg will meet with global leading drone manufacturers to discuss how to tackle criminal drone use.
They are expected to discuss a range of topics including counter-drone technology and software – such as ‘geofencing’ – that could be built into drones at the point of manufacture.
She said: “Flying drones illegally puts others at risk both in the air and on the ground, so it’s vital they are used safely.
“The majority of people using drones want to do so responsibly, so we have expanded a national campaign to ensure they know the rules – and the penalties.”
