Technology

Posted on July 26, 2018 by staff

Children could be banned from owning larger drones

Technology

Children could soon be banned from owning drones weighing more than 250g.

The move has been proposed by the Department for Transport, which is considering introducing the age restriction as part of a safety crackdown.

Children would only be allowed to fly the heavier devices if they were owned and registered by an adult.

Police could also be given the power to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £300 for misuse and the ability to seize aircraft that are being used irresponsibly.

“Drones present exciting benefits to our society and our economy, but with a small group of people choosing to use them for harm there are challenges we must overcome if we are to prevent them hindering the potential of this technology,” said aviation minister Baroness Sugg.

“That’s why we’ve already introduced safety measures like a height limit, and rules around airports, and today we are consulting on how we go further, including extra police powers and a minimum age requirement.”

A consultation on the new proposals is expected to take place this week.

They are part of a wider programme of new drone legislation and will shape the content of a draft ‘Drones Bill’, which is set to be published later in 2018.

From Monday (30 July) drone operators will be restricted from flying their gadgets above 400 feet and within one kilometre of airport boundaries as of 30 July.

As of 30 November 2019, owners of drones weighing 250 grams or more will be required to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and to take an online safety test.