New drone safety laws passed amid farmer concern over privacy

The NFU has said there are 'exciting' developments for drone use on farms, but many dangers too
The NFU has said there are 'exciting' developments for drone use on farms, but many dangers too

New safety laws have been introduced to give police powers to prevent unsafe or criminal use of drones, amid increasing worry to farmers and landowners over their use.

The new government measures are intended to allow drone users to continue flying safely and legally.

Farmers have in the past frequently called for tougher rules on drone use to protect privacy of property owners in the countryside.

The number of incidents in the UK involving drones reported to police has increased more than twelve-fold over the past two years.

The draft Drone Bill, which will be published next spring, will give police officers the right to order operators to ground drones where necessary. Officers will also be able to seize drone parts to prove it has been used to commit an offence.

New measures will also make it mandatory for drone owners to register to improve accountability. And drone operators will be required to use apps – so they can access the information needed to make sure any planned flight can be made safely and legally.

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said there are 'exciting' developments in the pipeline for on-farm done use, but warns of dangers.

“There are exciting developments, such as crop applications, which could keep British farming at the cutting edge and internationally competitive.

“However, we are also very aware of instances of irresponsible use of drones by members of the public and have already seen the first instances of sheep worrying by drones."

The government will publish a draft Drone Bill for consultation and introduce secondary legislation amendments in spring 2018.

'Real worry'

CLA, a rural organisation which represents farmers, said drones have "huge potential" in the agricultural industry, but regulations must be in place.

CLA Legal Adviser Andrew Gillett said: “For reassurance that drones are being flown legally, professionally and safely we have actively called for compulsory registration so we are pleased the Government has listened to our concerns and legislated for new measures to control drone use.

“However, an increase in the use of recreational drones with cameras is a real worry to farmers and landowners over their privacy, the potential for damage to property and the safety of people and livestock on private land.

“We will continue to push for a change to the Civil Aviation Act 1982 so that recreational drone users would need to seek the landowners’ permission before flying over private land.”

Tips for responsible drone operation

• Fly safely and understand the law; you are legally responsible for every flight and could be prosecuted if found to be operating a drone in an unsafe manner

• Respect the privacy of others and obtain permission before flying over privately owned land or property

• Never fly within 50 metres of people or buildings

• Animals can be easily frightened by drones which can cause injury to them and others

• Use common sense when operating a drone: keep it in sight at all times and do not fly above 400 feet.