New powers to clamp down on drone flights

Operators will be required to register and sit safety awareness tests as part of the Government initiative.

And new technology could be used to create no-fly zones for drones.

Earlier this year a Squirrel helicopter from the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS), RAF Shawbury flew within 100 feet of an unidentified drone.

The 5ft wide drone was being flown adjacent to the airfield and the pilot did not see it until the last moment, when he took evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision. There have also been other drones flown on the airfield boundary.

Recently, there have been a number of media articles concerning the increase in drone use and near-misses at international airports.

Last month it emerged a drone nearly hit an aircraft approaching London Gatwick, with the jet's pilot claiming it put 130 lives at risk.

The flying gadget passed directly over the right wing of the Airbus A319 which was preparing to land at the West Sussex airport in July, according to the UK Airprox Board (UKAB).

But alongside new laws, ministers are also keen to develop technology allowing the greater use of drones for tasks including deliveries of everything from shopping to human organs.

Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: "Drones have great potential and we want to do everything possible to harness the benefits of this technology as it develops.

"But if we are to realise the full potential of this incredibly exciting technology, we have to take steps to stop illegal use of these devices and address safety and privacy concerns.

"These new laws strike a balance, to allow the vast majority of drone users to continue flying safely and responsibly, while also paving the way for drone technology to revolutionise businesses and public services."

The draft Drone Bill which will be published in spring 2018 will give police officers the right to order operators to ground drones where necessary and seize parts of the machines to prove whether it has been used to commit an offence.

Under the new proposals drone operators will be required to use apps - so they can access the information needed to make sure any planned flight can be made safely and legally.

Assistant chief constable Serena Kennedy, the National Police Chiefs' Council's lead officer on drones, said: "Police forces are aware of the ever increasing use of drones by members of the public and we are working with all relevant partners to understand the threats that this new technology can pose when used irresponsibly or illegally.

"Do not take this lightly - if you use a drone to invade people's privacy or engage in disruptive behaviour, you could face serious criminal charges.]"