The government has introduced new laws on flying drones today (30 July 2018) restricting all drones from flying above 400 feet and within 1 kilometre of airport boundaries.
As well as five years in jail, the penalty is also an unlimited fine.
Changes came into effect to help ensure the model aircrafts, which hover in the air, are used safely and responsibly.
This comes following a year-on-year increase in the report of drone incidents – with 93 in 2017.
- The government is introducing height limits to help make sure drones are used safely as the sector grows
- Limits around airports are being tightened up with new restrictions to prevent drones from causing harm
- Drone users will have to register and take online safety tests to improve accountability
Baroness Sugg, Aviation Minister, said: “We are seeing fast growth in the numbers of drones being used, both commercially and for fun.
“Whilst we want this industry to innovate and grow, we need to protect planes, helicopters and their passengers from the increasing numbers of drones in our skies.
“These new laws will help ensure drones are used safely and responsibly.”
For more details, visit www.dronesafe.uk.
