I have wanted a drone for the best part of 5 years and now I finally have one the Mini 3 Pro, I’m scared to fly it. All my local parks and parks in neighbouring boroughs all have byelaws that that prohibit the use of drones. I feel like should have done my research on places I can legally fly before I purchased it.
It’s feels from what I have been reading is the drone laws have drastically changed in the last 5 years. Seems like you can’t fly them anywhere. I’ve seen there’s a specific place in Richmond Park where they allow drone use but it’s 1.5 hour drive from there I live.
Anyone have some local places I can without hassle from park rangers or police?
Have you seen our members map? (Click the burger-menu in the top right) You may find some pilots living near you. Feel free to add yourself to the members map too
We’re a well established club with many knowledgeable members so it’s very likely that any issues you come across will have been discussed here before. Our discussion forum has very powerful search features which should help you find what you need but if you get stuck you can post a new question in the Questions & Answers category.
Looking for recommendations of places to fly? Check out our interactive map on Drone Scene - be sure to log in to gain access to the full suite of features and map layers:
And please feel free to add locations of your own too.
Our Associates are able to enjoy a lot of great services for free but our Members are eligible for a whole lot more! You can find all the details about our Membership Benefits on our FAQ
Hi. I’m doing some research on this with a view to writing a legal article. There aren’t many places with bylaws put plenty with policies. Policies are policies but you are not breaking the law providing you fly to the drone code, insurance etc, Breaking a bylaw a different thing. I live in Essex and am not aware of any bylaws but that doesn’t mean there are not any. If you could share why you say bylaws it would be very helpful.
I’ve seen Rainham, from the other side of the river. I sometimes fly from Thamesmead and Erith, being careful to skirt around London City Airport’s flight restriction zone of course.
Hello, recently in my local paper was a list of places, mainly parks and leisure areas that the flying of drones was not permited to do so required written notice- a flight risk assesment. mandatory liability insurance, and when the flight was to take place, purpose of flight ad infinitum.
I wrote to the council and asked for a copy of the Bye-Law under the feedom of information Act, which they have to comply with, but might incurr a small charge. Some three weeks passed by, and a subsequent phone call took place between me and the Council Solicitor.
At first he did try to blind side me, but it soon became apparent to him that I was well informed as to the drone regulations, vatious CAA Acts, implementation of Bye-Laws. Police Powers and so forth. as such the phone call ended very amicably, below is his written response, which i requested for my file.
The only powers the police have, would fall under Anti Social Behaviour Orders, after due process had been observed, providing you aren’t being a nuisance, so don’t fly every day at the same time or place. So be aware of ASBO orders also.
I’d say go out early when no one is around and see how you get on. I’d be astonished if anyone actually says anything to you (other than ask how fast can it go, how far can it fly, how high can it go).
If anyone says anything, ask them if they are an official… if not, carry on if you wish, or politely pack up and move on … and try again another day.
I’d almost guarantee that you will be fine and no one will bother you.
I was as apprehensive as you when I got my drone about a year ago … local parks here have a bylaw (possibly) prohibiting drones, but the maximum penalty is £2. I fly on local parks many times a week …. No problems what so ever!
Or are they just worthless policies?
