Got a drone and live in London? Looks like you’ll find it even harder to fly around the city, as the government is cracking down on drones this week during US president Barack Obama’s visit to the capital.
From now until 10.30pm on Sunday, remote-controlled drones are banned across the capital. Interestingly, drones are also banned in Windsor, where Obama is due to have lunch with the Queen on Friday.
It’s not just drones that are banned, with the Civil Aviation Authority claiming that “any small balloon, any kite weighing not more than two kilograms… and any parachute including parascending parachute” are also banned.
These measures form part of the “overarching security plan” for the visit of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
The CAA’s restrictions come just days after a drone collided with a passenger aircraft at Heathrow.
Drone regulations are still being shaped by the authorities. Drones can usually be flown up to 400ft (122m), according to the CAA’s rules.
But during the presidential visit, regulations prohibit any aircraft from flying below 2,500ft (762m), unless they are using Heathrow, Stansted or London City airports.
Bans on drones have been enforced for other high-profile visits before, and for sporting events, such as the 2012 London Olympics and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
