Drones set to be banned in Coventry after complaints and safety fears - The Coventry Observer

Drones set to be banned in Coventry after complaints and safety fears

Coventry Editorial 4th Jan, 2019 Updated: 4th Jan, 2019   0

DRONES are set to be banned in Coventry parks and on other council-owned land after complaints and safety fears.

A Coventry City Council report to the cabinet member for policing, Councillor Abdul Khan, recommends strict limitations on using drones.

The policy is a response to a ‘growing number of issues’ associated with drones in the city.

The report adds: “Over the last few years a number of concerns have been raised about the flying of drones in both residential areas and in open spaces including parks.




“The concerns are about the nuisance caused by the noise of drones; privacy due to drones carrying surveillance equipment and the potential danger they could cause to wildlife, animals and people particularly when landing.”

The measure comes after drones caused chaos at Gatwick Airport, disrupting about 1,000 flights with 140,000 people left stranded.


Authorities took the decision to close the airport for more than 36 hours due to fears the devices would endanger aircrafts.

As yet there is no formal council measure that restricts drone use in Coventry.

In response to complaints, the council has been using vehicle and nuisance prohibitions to prevent use.

The report states the council is seeking to give clear guidance on the use of drones which will also assist authorities in enforcing restrictions.

West Midlands Police will be able to continue using the technology on council-owned land, the report states.

Specific commercial and professional use will also be permitted under strict regulation and with a £50 charge.

Police will continue using drones as they play a key role in the reduction of crime, the report states.

It adds: “It helps to tackle issues such as quad biking in public areas, drug dealing, vehicle crime and suspect searches.”

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