Children may face ban over drones use

CHILDREN COULD be banned from flying drones weighing at least 250 grams.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is considering introducing the age restriction as part of a safety crackdown amid growing misuse of the gadgets. Many small drones are lighter than 250 grams, but children would be stopped from operating heavier versions which can fly further and cause more damage.

Other measures being considered include giving police the power to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £300 for misuse and the ability to seize drones being used irresponsibly.

The DfT is also considering using of new technology to protect public events, critical national infrastructure and prisons from drone disruption.

A consultation on the plans will be launched on Thursday. They are part of a wider programme of new drone legislation and will shape the content of a draft Drones Bill due to be published later this year.

DfT-funded research found that a drone weighing 400g could smash a helicopter windscreen, and one weighing 2kg could critically damage an airliner’s windscreen.

Last year an investigation revealed that police are being flooded with reports about drones after a dramatic surge in incidents registered by forces, including rows between neighbours, prison smuggling, burglary “scoping” exercises and snooping fears.

Figures showed forces recorded 3,456 episodes in 2016, almost triple the 2015 figure of 1,237 and more than 12 times the 2014 tally of 283. The number of near-misses between drones and aircraft has risen from six events in 2014 to 93 last year.

Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said safety measures were important.