Drone users to take safety awareness tests
DRONE users in Halton will have to register their machines and sit safety awareness tests under new rules.
The Government has announced measures designed to better regulate the technology’s growing use.
Owners in Runcorn and Widnes who have drones which weigh more than 250g will in future have to register details of their machines to improve accountability and encourage owners to act responsibly under plans being explored by the Government.
Users may be able to sign up online or through apps.
A Department For Transport (DFT) spokesman said the move follows safety research which concluded drones could damage helicopter windscreens.
In addition, a new drone safety awareness test means owners will have to prove they understand UK safety, security and privacy regulations.
Aviation minister Lord Callanan said: “The UK is at the forefront of an exciting and fast growing drones market and it is important we make the most of this emerging global sector.
“Our measures prioritise protecting the public while maximising the full potential of drones.
“Increasingly, drones are proving vital for inspecting ● transport infrastructure for repair or aiding police and fire services in search and rescue, even helping to save lives.
“But like all technology, drones too can be misused.
“By registering drones, introducing safety awareness tests to educate users we can reduce the inadvertent breaching of airspace restrictions.”
The measures follow a consultation which looked at ways to make drone use safer while maximising their potential.
Findings by the DFT, British Airline Pilots’ Association and the Military Aviation Authority revealed drones weighing 400g could damage the windscreens of helicopters in particular.
However, airliner windscreens were found to be much more resistant and would take a heavier drone of around 2kg to be critically damaged and only if the plane was flying at a high speed and not during take-off and landing.
The Government is feeding the data into relevant security and safety bodies alongside manufacturers, to ensure they implement improvements to safety.
The DFT spokesman said: “Drones represent an exciting opportunity for the UK, are already of substantial benefit to business and the public and are central to the Government’s Industrial strategy.
“They can help boost productivity and safety, aid emergency services and bring pleasure to those who use them for fun.
“We want Britain to be the first choice for businesses, scientists, innovators and investors in technology.”
The Government is also planning to bring forward and expand the use of ‘geo-fencing’ which acts like an invisible shield around sensitive areas.
According to the DFT, the technology works on GPS coordinates and is built into a drone to stop it from entering zones such as prison or airport space.