Drone complaints on the rise in Bristol

Drones with the ability of filming in people’s gardens and through bedroom windows are being flown over Bristol homes in increasing numbers.

Data from the police has revealed a rise in complaints from residents spotting small unmanned aircraft flying and hovering over their homes.

Drones are not allowed to be flown within 50 metres of a property or a person without a licence, under Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

The list of complaints has been made public following a police appeal to trace a man thought to have been flying close to windows of properties in Fishponds.

The jump in complaints received by police comes as drone sales and drone use has rocketed on the back of falling prices and advances in technology.

The number of complaints made in Bristol went from two in 2013 to 15 in 2014. Police recorded the nature of each complaint, with one note saying a “caller believes a male is flying a drone near her window and appears to be trying to film her”.

Other callers claimed drones with cameras were being flown over their houses and gardens.

Philippe Francken, from Bristol Drones said companies like his operate with a licence to carry out legitimate roof surveys among other work.

But he added that an increasing number of hobbyists were flouting regulations which state drones cannot be flown within 50 metres of homes or above 100ft in altitude. Regulations also state that the pilot must maintain the drone in their line of sight.

“It is happening more and more where you have drones spotted over houses or going too high. But the truth is most police officers wouldn’t know what to do about it as we are still catching up with the technology.

“There should be more enforcement. Some people are flying very close to people’s houses and gardens and they just don’t have permission. It’s a major problem because they should be adhering to the rules.”

He added that anyone flying a drone needs to talk to their neighbour first to avoid “breaking the law”.

Bristol Airport Police Inspector Barney Gardom told Bristol24/7: “Drones are taking off in a big way, but people should be careful about how and where they fly them for safety and privacy reasons. There is plenty of information available from the Civil Aviation Authority and we would encourage people to look at the legislation.

“Under the Air Navigation Order 2009 people must get permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to fly drones – also known as unmanned aerial vehicles – within 150 metres of any congested area, any large open-air assembly or within 50 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure not under the control of the person operating the drone.

“We will investigate complaints about drones but would encourage people to follow the CAA guidelines to promote responsible use and avoid any conflicts.”

Police said the man who was the subject of April’s appeal has since been traced and given advice about drone usage. No further action was taken.