Drones - What You Need to Know

Dear Resident

I hope you are well. I am writing to residents of London Colney as the ward Police Officer as we have received multiple reports over the weekend via 999 and 101 relating to a drone flying primarily in the Napsbury area of London Colney. I just wanted to outline some key pieces of drone legislation so that drone flyers are aware of their responsibilities when operating a drone, and so that residents know the most appropriate agency to refer any breaches to. 

'Drones' is the terms used to describe remote-controlled aircraft systems which can range from toys to military aircraft. The Drone and Model Aircraft Code | UK Civil Aviation Authority is like the Highway Code for drones. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provide the framework for the legal use of drones and are the enforcing agency with which drone pilots ought to register their drones - applicable if the drone weighs more than 250g or has a camera. 

There are numerous rules for drone pilots which must be adhered to when flying, however these rules differ depending on the weight and capabilities of the drone. The most important rules for flight are: 

- Don't fly in restricted or “No Fly” zones. There aren't any “No Fly” zones in St Albans or London Colney. You can view the UK drone flying map here: UK Drone Flying Restricted Zones Map. 

- Don't endanger anyone or anything when flying a drone. 

- Ensure the drone remains in your line of sight while flying. 

- Stay at least 50m away from crowds and people. 

- Stay 150m away from buildings / built-up areas. 

When to inform the Police? 

Please only call 999 in emergency situations. For example, if a drone is flying and there is an immediate danger to life; someone is using violence or threatening to be violent; someone is flying a drone close to a no-fly zone, like a prison or an airport. 

To report a non-emergency breach of any of the above drone rules, please report to the Civil Aviation Authority on the following link: Report a potential breach of aviation law | UK Civil Aviation Authority. 

For non-emergency incidents which you believe require Police attention, you can report this by calling 101 or by reporting online at Report | Hertfordshire Constabulary. You will receive the same level of service by reporting online but it will free up our phone lines for emergency calls. To take any action, we would need to know about the drone flyer or the manner of flying so we can check they are operating in line with this drone legislation. 

Thank you for your understanding on the matter. Please feel free to send in your questions if you have any. Likewise, if you are a drone pilot and want to ask any questions about your drone and if there are any specific restrictions with you operating it, please don't hesitate to get in touch so we can advise. 

Kind regards,

PC Fiona Hitchcock.