Around the world, countries face the problem of enforcing drone laws as the commercial use of drones increases and regulations evolve. In the UK, Operation Foreverwing brings together the Home Office, Police and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to tackle drone crime.
A CAA press release said the new campaign “aims to contain drone-related crimes after 336 drone-related incidents were recorded in the UK over the past five months”.
The collaboration could provide a model for the rest of the world: enforcement at the local level and clarifying the role of law enforcement in overseeing the use of drones. While drone regulations are the responsibility of aviation authorities, drones represent a new problem in enforcing these regulations. Because of the low risk of consequences and the ready availability of high-performance drones, aviation authorities have found it difficult to get some owners to comply.
Operation Foreverwing will help clarify the point in the UK. “The police have deployed drone teams across the country tasked with enforcing the law by imposing fines and seizing drones when people don’t obey the rules,” the press release said. “If the CAA sets the rules for drone flying, the campaign will raise awareness of the rules and remind those who are tempted to break them of the consequences.”
“The use of drones has increased dramatically in recent years and as a result we are seeing cases of dangerous and irresponsible flying,” said Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi, Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi. “If you are a drone owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are following the rules for your own safety and that of others around you.
UK law now requires CAA registration to be mandatory for operators of drones over 250 grams and for all drones except toys that are equipped with a camera. If you don’t register, drone users run the risk of fines up to £ 1,000. The campaign will enable closer collaboration between the bodies and common training for drone users.
“With nearly 200,000 registered drone owners across the UK, the skies are getting busier. Our goal is not to prevent people from having fun or use their drone for business purposes, but rather to make sure that everyone can share the air safely, and that means that the rules set out in the drone code are followed, ”says Jonathan Nicholson, assistant director of communications. CAA said. “Drones can cost thousands of pounds, and with fines for breaking the rules, the cost can quickly add up to those who don’t abide by them.”
For more information on UK drone regulations, registration and the drone code, please visit www.caa.co.uk/drones
Miriam McNabb is Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a marketplace for professional drone services, and a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Author of over 3,000 articles focusing on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam graduated from the University of Chicago and has over 20 years experience in high-tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For advice or writing in the drone industry, email Miriam.
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