There have been some incredible pieces of Aerial Drone Video on the Isle of Wight over the last few years.
We all love seeing the Island from the skies and it looks as though footage might increase if the prediction of consumer spending on drones hitting an “all-time high this Christmas” proves correct.
There was a huge rise in the sales of drone pre-Christmas 2014 and Maplin Direct have reported domestic drone sales of over 10,000 units over a 12-month period.
Privacy concerns
However, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) say the rise in use of drones has sparked privacy concerns for their members.
They’re concerned the drone-use regulations are “not robust enough to ensure that privacy is maintained”.
CLA Isle of Wight Director Belinda Walters said:
“We do not wish to spoil anyone’s fun over Christmas, especially as drones are a ‘must-have’ gift for many. But the growth in the availability of drones with high resolution cameras for consumer use, rather than industry, presents a significant risk to privacy and requires action.”
Further controls needed
A consultation on on the introduction of a regulatory framework for the operation of drones was opened by the European Aviation Safety Agency in July 2015, through which the CLA responded through its sister organisation, the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO).
The CLA have argued for “further controls on privacy, data protection and future regulation to give good guidance on what circumstances individuals can expect privacy in relation to both residential properties and privately owned land”.
Belinda Walters added:
“Earlier in the year we put forward workable proposals for regulation reform, and we will be pressing the relevant authorities in Europe and within the UK to address this issue.
“I urge those buying drones as gifts for friends and families to use common sense and follow the CLA’s top tips when operating them in order to ensure both public safety and privacy.”
Responsible drone use
The CLA have shared five top tips for responsible drone operation:
- Fly safely and understand the law; you are legally responsible for every flight and could be prosecuted if found to be operating a drone in an unsafe manner.
- Respect the privacy of others and obtain permission before flying over privately owned land or property.
- Never fly within 50 metres of people or buildings.
- Animals can be easily be frightened by drones which can cause injury to them and others.
- Use common sense when operating a drone: keep it in sight at all times and do not fly above 400 feet.
