UK drone laws: New rules come into force amid growing concerns over aircraft safety

James Morris31 July 2018

New drone laws come into force today with punishments including up to five years in prison for anyone who endangers an aircraft.

The UK’s new “Drone Code” bans people from flying a drone above 120m, and within 1km of an airport or airfield. Legal responsibility is placed solely on the user.

Earlier this month, a report found a drone came within six metres of colliding with a plane which had taken off from Luton Airport in May.

Another drone “put 130 lives at risk” after a near miss with a plane preparing to land at Gatwick Airport in July last year.

The UK’s skies are among the busiest in the world for drone use and the code also rules drones have to be kept 50m away from people and properties.

The new law has been welcomed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Assistant director Jonathan Nicholson said: “As recreational drone use becomes increasingly widespread across the UK, it is heartening to see that awareness of the drone code has also continued to rise: a clear sign that most drone users take their responsibility seriously and are a credit to the community.

A file image of a drone and helicopter flying over London
PA

“Drones are here to stay, not only as a recreational pastime, but as a vital tool in many industries - from agriculture to blue-light services - so increasing public trust through safe drone flying is crucial.”

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