Drone pilots will be forced to sit ‘driving tests’ to stop near-misses with planes
Number of incidents involving drones flying too close to aircraft has risen by 60 per cent in the last 12 months.
DRONE owners will be made to take safety tests as part of new measures designed to reduce near-misses with aeroplanes.
The number of incidents involving people flying their drones close to aircraft has risen by 60 per cent in 12 months.
Thousands of lives are put at risk because of the close shaves with authorities fearing a potential accident unless action is taken now.
This year saw 99 reports of such incidents compared to 62 last year and 29 in 2015.
The new rules for drone users mean they will have to sit a safety awareness test, reported .
Police will also be given greater powers to prevent the unsafe and criminal use of drones.
New technology will also be introduced that could be used to create no-fly zones for the remotely operated machines.
Restrictions could include not being allowed to fly drones near airports or above 400ft.
However, the new rules will also lay out how drones can be used in a useful way to society.
This includes delivering shopping, parcels, and even human organs.
Baroness Sugg, the aviation minister, said: "Drones have great potential and we want to do everything possible to harness the benefits of this technology as it develops.
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"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 new rules for the Air Navigation Order are to be unveiled next spring.
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