The UK government and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), have announced a new partnership with Jessops today (20 February 2019), as part of a national campaign to increase awareness of drones.
Working alongside the CAA, the UK government will launch a campaign to educate the public about responsible drone use by issuing a digital toolkit to airports in support of raising awareness of new rules.
Ian Savage, head of retail and academy training at Jessops, said: “Drones are one of the most exciting ways of capturing stunning aerial photos and videos. Jessops is committed to ensuring it communicates new laws to all its customers through extensive training from our dedicated drone specialists Connor Keenan and Jon Dick.”
The government has also announced an extension of the no-fly zone around British airports, banning drones from flying within five-kilometres of runways. The zone will come into force on 13 March 2019.
Chris Grayling, tansport secretary for the UK government, said: “The law is clear that flying a drone near an airport is a serious criminal act. We’re now going even further and extending the no-fly zone to help keep our airports secure and our skies safe.”
Progressing a new Drones Bill will give police officers the power to stop and search people suspected of using drones maliciously above 400 feet or within five-kilometres of an airport. Police can will be able access electronic data stored on a drone with a warrant.
Sajid Javid, The UK government’s home secretary, said: “Police understand that stop and search is one of the most powerful tools they have to target and disrupt crime and they remain committed to giving them all the support they need to protect the public.”
Tim Johnson, policy director at the CAA, said anyone operating a drone must do so responsibly, observing all relevant rules and regulations, to keep all airspace users safe.
The CAA’s Dronecode provides advice on how to fly your drone safely and follow the rules. you can see it at www.dronesafe.uk
Feature image by The Independent
