Drones face ban in Cov
PEOPLE could soon be banned from flying drones in parks and other council-owned land in Coventry.
Coventry City Council is set to introduce a new policy on using drones in the city due to a “growing number of issues with this type of activity”.
It comes just weeks after the flying technology caused chaos at Gatwick Airport.
More than 140,000 passengers were left stranded during the 36 hours of disruption after drones were spotted on the airfield on the evening of December 19.
The council says residents have been raising concerns about the flying of drones in residential areas and parks for the last few years.
The complaints range from the technology being too noisy - to fears drones with cameras and surveillance equipment attached are eroding people’s privacy.
Another issue is the potential danger they could cause to wildlife and people particularly when landing.
The council says it is facing a “growing number of issues” with drones.
To date it has dealt with any drone problems using vehicle and nuisance prohibitions contained in the council’s Byelaws for Pleasure Grounds 1962.
Now it intends to make rules clearer by having the stand-alone drone policy.
The council says leaving drone activity unregulated could lead to further nuisance for the public, and would not do anything to counter concerns residents have that they are being used for surveillance activity.
It also fears it could be liable for “any damage caused to people or property as a result of it allowing the flying of drones in its parks and open spaces”.
The report prepared for the meeting which will discuss whether to introduce the policy says: “Due to a growing number of issues with this type of activity it now appears appropriate to adopt a drone policy to prohibit their general use on council land and regulate their specific use such as for some police and professional or commercial operations.
“Other Councils have adopted similar policies.”
While members of the general public would be banned from flying drones under the new rules if they are brought in, West Midlands Police would still be able to use the technology to detect crime and maintain public safety.
The force currently uses drones to gather evidence and tackle issues such as quad biking in public areas, drug dealing, vehicle crime and suspect searches.
The rules would also be lifted to allow professional and commercial organisations to use council land for flying drones under strict regulation and with the appropriate public liability insurance.
There would be a charge of £50 for the permission and an additional charge for any photography undertaken to cover administrative expenses.
Due to a growing number of issues with this type of activity it now appears appropriate to adopt a drone policy
Report