Shropshire police chief welcomes changes to clampdown on drones users
The police and crime commissioner covering Shropshire has welcomed changes which will see officers be issued with new powers to clampdown on drone users.
John Campion, who is the commissioner for West Mercia, described the scheme to prevent unsafe or criminal use of the machines as "sensible" and thinks it will be welcomed by responsible users.
Operators will be required to register and sit safety awareness tests as part of the Government initiative.
And new technology could be used to create no-fly zones for drones.
Mr Campion said: “This is a sensible approach from the government, who are taking steps to make sure our laws keep up with advances in technology.
“I’m sure responsible users will welcome these changes. Many of them will already want to do the sort of reforms being proposed.
"Where this should be particularly useful, is in giving the police a new tool to tackle irresponsible owners – some of whom we know use drones to commit crime or anti-social behaviour.”
Earlier this year a Squirrel helicopter from the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS), RAF Shawbury flew within 100 feet of an unidentified drone.
The 5ft wide drone was being flown adjacent to the airfield and the pilot did not see it until the last moment, when he took evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision. There have also been other drones flown on the airfield boundary.
Recently, there have been a number of media articles concerning the increase in drone use and near-misses at international airports.
Last month it emerged a drone nearly hit an aircraft approaching London Gatwick, with the jet's pilot claiming it put 130 lives at risk.
The flying gadget passed directly over the right wing of the Airbus A319 which was preparing to land at the West Sussex airport in July, according to the UK Airprox Board (UKAB).
But alongside new laws, ministers are also keen to develop technology allowing the greater use of drones for tasks including deliveries of everything from shopping to human organs.
Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: "Drones have great potential and we want to do everything possible to harness the benefits of this technology as it develops.
"But if we are to realise the full potential of this incredibly exciting technology, we have to take steps to stop illegal use of these devices and address safety and privacy concerns."
The draft Drone Bill which will be published in spring 2018 will give police officers the right to order operators to ground drones where necessary and seize parts of the machines to prove whether it has been used to commit an offence.
