New UK Legislation Restricts Drone Flying Near Stonehenge
Introduction
The UK government has introduced new legislation to restrict drone flying near Stonehenge, one of the UK’s most iconic historical landmarks. The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Stonehenge) Regulations 2025 came into force on 4 February 2025 and prohibit the flying of drones within a 1-kilometer radius of the monument.
Reason for the Legislation
The new legislation has been introduced in response to concerns about the safety and preservation of Stonehenge. Drones flying over the site can pose a safety risk to visitors and staff, and they can also damage the fragile archaeological remains.
Details of the Legislation
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Stonehenge) Regulations 2025 prohibit the flying of drones within a 1-kilometer radius of Stonehenge. This includes all types of drones, regardless of their size or purpose.
The regulations also give the police the power to enforce the flying ban. Anyone caught flying a drone within the restricted area could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Exceptions to the Ban
There are some exceptions to the flying ban. Drones may be flown within the restricted area if they are being used for:
- Police or military purposes
- Search and rescue operations
- Archaeological or scientific research
- Aerial photography or filming with the permission of English Heritage
How to Obtain an Exemption
If you wish to fly a drone within the Stonehenge restricted area for any of the permitted purposes, you must apply for an exemption from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA will only grant exemptions in exceptional circumstances.
Consequences of Flying a Drone Within the Restricted Area
If you are caught flying a drone within the Stonehenge restricted area without an exemption, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. You could also be prosecuted under the Theft Act 1968 for damaging the archaeological remains.
Conclusion
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Stonehenge) Regulations 2025 are designed to protect Stonehenge from damage and ensure the safety of visitors and staff. The regulations are proportionate and necessary to achieve these objectives.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Stonehenge) Regulations 2025
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UK New Legislation a new article on 2025-02-04 03:02 titled “The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Stonehenge) Regulations 2025”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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