Drone racing is increasingly popular, but Hampstead Heath and City of London Council want to ban drone flying in the popular park.
The two bodies came together last night to discuss what rules and regulations should be enforced where drones are concerned – or whether they should just be banned from the park altogether. A final decision will be reached in May.
The issue was brought to the public’s attention after a young mother’s outrage when she discovered a man had been flying a drone over the women’s bathing pool.
Given that drones have only become popular in recent years, authorities of public spaces such as Hampstead Heath remain uncertain as to how they should deal with the issue, which sees popular drone-flying clubs frequently using Hampstead Heath as an area to explore their hobby.
A spokesman for City of London Corporation, which owns the heath, confirmed it is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority which allows drones to be used in open spaces.
He added “There are important health and safety considerations around the use of drones on Hampstead Heath which we need to take into account.”
“The City of London Corporation is looking at a new policy covering drone use on the Heath and other congested areas. We will announce this publicly if and when it has been decided by both elected members and consultative committees.”
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HeadlineCity of London to discuss potential drone ban
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Drone racing is increasingly popular, but Hampstead Heath and City of London Council want to ban drone flying in the popular park.
The two bodies came together last night to discuss what rules and regulations should be enforced where drones are concerned – or whether they should just be banned from the park altogether. A final decision will be reached in May.
The issue was brought to the public’s attention after a young mother’s outrage when she discovered a man had been flying a drone over the women’s bathing pool.
Given that drones have only become popular in recent years, authorities of public spaces such as Hampstead Heath remain uncertain as to how they should deal with the issue, which sees popular drone-flying clubs frequently using Hampstead Heath as an area to explore their hobby.
A spokesman for City of London Corporation, which owns the heath, confirmed it is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority which allows drones to be used in open spaces.
He added “There are important health and safety considerations around the use of drones on Hampstead Heath which we need to take into account.”
“The City of London Corporation is looking at a new policy covering drone use on the Heath and other congested areas. We will announce this publicly if and when it has been decided by both elected members and consultative committees.”
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