Transport Committee to look at drone safety

Hobbyist drone flyers were coming under the Westminster microscope on Thursday, as the Commons Transport select committee launched an inquiry into the civilian use of the remote-controlled flying machines.

The committee said the aim of the inquiry was to consider how the benefits of drone technology could be maximised, with a “robust” safety framework.

It said the use of civilian drones in the UK – both recreational and commercial – was increasing, and the machines were now used for a wide range of purposes with “significant scope” for expansion in the future.

A report by PwC found that the emerging global market for business services using drones was now valued at over $127bn.

However, the increasing use of drones also raised a number of regulatory and operational issues, the committee said, including risk to other aircraft – an area where laser pens were also an increasing concern.

The Department for Transport had recently consulted on its drones policy, and the Transport Committee was now calling for submissions addressing some of the concerns.

It said those concerns included the safety and security risks posed by drones, particularly to manned aircraft, the role of technology in enabling safe and sustainable growth in the civilian drones sector, he likely effectiveness of key government proposals in its recent consultation, including pilot training and the proposed online registration scheme, and the current enforcement arrangements for the misuse of drones in the UK.

Insurance issues were also a concern, with the committee looking into the actions needed to create a viable market for drones insurance, as well the economic growth potential of the drones industry in the UK and the Government's role in enabling that growth.

At the same time, the committee it would be interested in evidence on the likely effects of the measures in the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill on the dangers posed by the use of laser pens to distract the pilots of aircraft.

The submission period would close on Friday 26 May 2017.

“Civilian drones have the potential to fundamentally change how many industries – including the transport sector – work,” said Transport Committee chair Louise Ellman MP.

“This inquiry will consider the implications of this technology.

“We will also be asking whether enough is being done to ensure drone technology can reach its potential without compromising the safety of other aircraft and the public in general.”