Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 March 2012.

Police: Drones

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will conduct an assessment of the potential for the use of drones by the police, especially in relation to the cost of the equivalent use of helicopters.

Answer: At present, the only unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for civil use in UK airspace are those weighing less than 20 kilograms. These may be used only within the line of sight and within 500 metres of the operator at altitudes up to 400 feet. The UAVs would not be suitable for most police air support purposes. Decisions about the use and relative cost-effectiveness of such vehicles are matters for chief constables and their police authorities and, from November 2012, police and crime commissioners. I understand that, subject to any changes in CAA licensing, the Association of Chief Police Officers intends to keep under review the potential for UAVs to contribute to the provision of police air support.

Secondary information