This council is ignoring real issues with ridiculous over-reactions and a clear example of jumping on the latest bandwagon.
The ruling group’s policy to ban drone flights over the city’s parks is a none starter and a blatant attempt to exploit an up and coming industry.
Drones are here to stay, and in simple terms, for the vast majority of drone users, there isn’t a problem as legislation already exists.
Let’s be honest, we struggle at the moment to enforce minor crimes including unlawful travelers, traffic enforcement, parking, and theft. So how do we do enforce this and do we really prioritize this?
This is a typical establishment attitude to ban things without real thought or research. I’m not sure why I am surprised given we have seen this from the current administration several times now, including unlawful bus gate fines, the recent high court ruling labeling their restricted parking zone as delusional and confused, of course the recent u-turn on Uber, and our inability to fix a simple bollard issue in Broadgate.
The council do not have jurisdiction on airspace above council land. This is governed by the Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA). If you are using a drone for personnel use then you are governed by Air Navigation Order 2016, specifically Article 241 (endangering the safety of any person or property). In fact the The CAA came up with a simple summary of the rules to follow when flying drones:
DRONE
Don’t fly near airports or airfields.
Remember to stay below 400ft (120m).
Observe your drone at all times – stay 150ft (50m) away from people and property.
Never fly near aircraft.
Enjoy responsibly.
I hope the ruling Labour group get back to policies that will actually improve our city and drop this blatant attempt to micro-manage its citizens and bring in a stealth tax.
Councillor Tim Mayer (Conservative), Westwood ward
This January, at more than 11,000 events across the country, hundreds of thousands of people will gather to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January 2019).
Holocaust Memorial Day is a time to remember all those affected by the Holocaust and Nazi Persecution, as well as genocides which have taken place more recently in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. As well as remembering what happened, we also find ways to take positive action and make sure they can never happen again.
The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation and has implications for us all. Without a basic understanding of this recent history, we are in danger of failing to learn where a lack of respect for difference and hostility to others can ultimately lead. With a rise in reported hate crime in the UK and ongoing international conflicts at risk of genocide, our world can feel fragile and vulnerable. We cannot be complacent.
Each of us has a responsibility to know what happened. Thankfully, more people than ever before are taking part in our annual commemorations to learn lessons from genocide and help create a better future.
For more information on how you can get involved with this year’s events, go to www.hmd.org.uk
Olivia Marks-Woldman
Chief Executive
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
As we enter the New Year, there is division in British society over several matters. Caring people can, for example, have differing views on BREXIT; the correct levels of taxation; the allocation of resources between Defence, Community Services and much more. But two points seem crucial.
First, my friend Councillor Marcus Lapsa and I saw much human suffering in various places where we served in our different ways. We therefore know, that, whatever its problems, the UK remains outstanding in its democracy, stability and fairness.
Second, we regret the rudeness of some political debate, Some social media, in particular, carry comments far beyond acceptable both in aggressiveness and in the language used. They debase political and social debate.
Discussion should always be polite. Rudeness is a sign of personal immaturity and courtesy denotes adult behaviour. Courtesy is crucial for our democracy.
Councillor David Skinner (Conservative)
Westwood Ward
Coventry City Council
