Drone regulations could be tightened after 'near misses' with aircraft

Regulations on the use of drones could be tightened after a number of near misses with aircraft close to major British airports including Birmingham.

Ministers are considering introducing a system to track the flight path of drones to address "safety and security issues".<

The UK Airprox (aircraft proximity) Board investigated seven near misses in the last year up to July.

Drone users can be prosecuted under the Air Navigation Order 2009 if they are flown beyond their line of sight, which is measured as 500 metres horizontally and 400ft vertically.

Rules also state that an unmanned aircraft must be flown at least 50 metres away from a person, vehicle, building or structure and not be flown within 150 metres of a congested area or large group of people, such as a sporting event or concert.

Earlier this month, a man from Nottingham was fined for flying his drone near landmarks including Westminster and Buckingham Palace.

Nigel Wilson, 42, from Nottingham, used the drones to shoot videos which he uploaded on to his YouTube channel.

He was fined £1800, the first time someone has been prosecuted for using drones following a police-led operation.

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