SAPS ready to police flying of drones in restricted airspace
Residents are advised to acquire a licence before buying a drone.
Drones have become ever more popular. But are they legal? Can they be used anywhere?
Lyttelton police have just announced that there is a restriction on the flying of drones in residential areas.
Spokesperson Captain Dave Miller said with the latest technology installed on drones, a licence was needed to fly them.
“With the advances in technology, drones now range from small toys to sophisticated operating systems that one needs a licence to fly along with authorisation from the authorities.
“Over the past several months, the SAPS have responded to numerous complaints about drones being flown in residential and restricted areas including complaints about intrusion of privacy.
“Around Centurion especially, our airfields are restricted airspace. Not only does flying drones pose a danger to the community, but can also create an unsafe situation within the aviation sectors.”
Miller advised residents who intended on purchasing drones to first familiarise themselves with the remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) legislation.
He said some individuals tried to bypass the law by importing drones which do not conform to SA civil aviation regulations.
“The police take all contraventions of the act seriously and will not hesitate to act should someone contravene any regulation concerning drones. We would also like to remind the community that it is our eyes and ears for what is happening in the area,” Miller said.
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