CALLS SOAR AS MINISTERS PLAN ACTION

dangerously close to a drone drone, in August last year.

The incident, involving a passengerpacked aircraft with around 400 people on board, also caused severe disruption, with air traffic controllers having to divert all other planes away from the area around the international airport until they knew the skies were safe.

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said the majority of people getting in touch with the force about drones simply wanted to know why they were flying near their homes and were causing a nuisance with noise.

She said: “The vast majority of reported incidents did not require any police action, they were simply reports from people concerned or wondering what an aerial drone was doing in their neighbourhood. As the technology becomes available to more people it’s natural to expect a rise in the number of such reports.

“There are a number of restrictions which apply to how they can be used, and anyone thinking of buying a drone should make themselves aware of these.”

Drone is the commonly used name for an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Initially, they were predominantly used in military operations and to travel into areas deemed too dangerous to send a manned plane.

However, drones have now become popular among recreational users, particularly for photography.

Ministers are now poised to publish a new “drone bill”, which will give police new powers to help control the use of drones by civilians.

If passed, it will allow police officers to POLICE order drone operators to ground their devices where necessary, and will include a series of changes that will create a mandatory register for larger unmanned aerial vehicles.

It could also include a ban on drones flying near airports or above 122 metres.

Reports suggest that, furthermore, it may include a requirement for drone owners to use apps, rather than simple remote controls to fly their aircraft.

This is to ensure that the rules are always readily accessible and incorporated into the flight plan.

The proposed bill will be accompanied by changes to the air navigation order.

This will introduce safety awareness tests for drone users for ther first time.

And it would include a requirement to register with the Government before flying drones that weigh more than 250g.