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Soundbites: Drone laws

PE

Following accidents and near-misses, the UK Government could tighten the law on drones – introducing registration and safety tests, and making misuse in no-fly zones a criminal offence. Do you think new regulations are necessary – and could they have a negative impact on those using drones appropriately?

Anybody with a modicum of sense would know that flying a drone in the landing path of an aircraft is not on. Unfortunately, proving that you have common sense is not a requirement when buying a drone.

Peter Howells, Tamworth, Staffordshire

Some regulation is necessary but needs to be discussed with all interested parties. Not just a knee-jerk over-the-top response from a government agency with no idea of the practicalities.

John Brogan, Wigan, Lancashire

Do people need to die before this hazard is brought under control?

Anonymous 

Registration and certification would be useful for limiting learner pilots to designated areas though I am uncertain that we have enough resource to police the arrangements. 

Rachel Turner, Derby

There is definitely a case for registration and licensing, including formal functional and safety testing. In the wrong hands, drones can be a potential weapon.

Barry Durrant, Hampshire

Drones are potential missiles. Think what the terrorists can do with these.

Anonymous 

We need autonomous licensed drones that seek out laser shooters near airports and zap the perpetrators automatically.

Andrew Deacon, Western Siberia, Russia

There should be rules for public safety and privacy on the use of airspace, as for manned aircraft. The key is to make them sensible, enforceable and non-draconian.

Anonymous 

The potential for serious accidents exists with careless use. Stricter regulation is essential and no-fly zones should be enforced. Responsible application shouldn’t be affected and it may encourage use by the safety conscious.

E Sanderson, Leeds 

Having had a drone crash into my neighbour’s house, something needs to be done to control where these can be flown.

David Scrimshaw, Colchester, Essex

Laws would be pointless unless a solution as to how they will be policed is conceived.

Gary Lock, Dorking, Surrey

A drone-related aircraft accident is bound to happen sooner or later. Therefore doing nothing is not an option. 

Joachim Neff, Dundee 

Regulation should require all drones to be registered. It should be illegal to overfly private property without the owner’s permission. There should be rules on camera use to respect privacy.

Anonymous 

They could make the area around all prisons a no-fly zone to prevent drugs and other contraband being dropped in to the prisoners! 

Andy Gatenby, Northallerton

Absolutely necessary given the rapid proliferation of these devices. But doesn’t stop me wishing I had one myself!

Anonymous 

Drone deliveries are a total waste of time and should not be allowed.

P Stone, Birmingham

Cars kill and intimidate more people than drones have.

Max Oakes, Turriff, Aberdeenshire

The smallest and lightest drones are unlikely to be a danger to aircraft. It seems to be quite easy to crudely weaponise cheap consumer drones.

Andrew Taylor, Warwickshire

Any legislation would be unenforceable. Perhaps we should try to regulate bicycles first: at least they stay on the ground.

David Hanson, Milford on Sea, Hants

My concern is disturbance to wildlife. I have seen roosts of wading birds sent scattering by a drone. 

John Buchanan, Maldon, Essex

There should be long custodial sentences for endangering life by flying near aircraft.

Terry Kelly, Bolton

Drones should be required to be registered and the operator to be in contact with air traffic control. There is one drawback: a typical drone is like a stealth fighter in that it provides minimal radar image and is thus difficult to spot.

Philip Ansley-Watson, Staines, Middx

Politicians, who drone on endlessly for a living, are intending to control the use of drones. Irony or hypocrisy? 

Greg McNally, Berkshire

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