Spot fines for breaking new drone flight rules

SPOT fines will be handed out to people flying drones illegally under a new crackdown that could also see under-18s banned from operating larger models.

Drone pilots will also have to file flight plans in the same way that aircraft pilots do under rules considered by the Department for Transport.

New technology will be deployed around prisons to stop drugs being dropped to inmates, and to protect public events.

Ministers have approved restrictions on drone users to come into force on Monday, which will impose fines of up to £2,500 or five years in jail for anyone who flies a drone too close to an airport or above a certain altitude.

Around four million drones have been sold in the UK, both as toys and for commercial use.

Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, is to publish a new Drones Bill later this year and is today launching a consultation on new measures. Police will be given the power to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone breaking the law, while under-18s could be banned from owning models weighing more than 250g.

Regulated smartphone apps will also be introduced on which pilots will be required to file flight plans.