New drone restrictions agreed for use on Auckland Council land
Thursday, 28 March 2019
Tighter restrictions on the use of drones and where they can be flown have been agreed by Auckland Council.
Changes to the Public Safety and Nuisance bylaw, which was implemented in 2014, will see a code of conduct for the use of drones at council-controlled public places drawn up, with details on where and how they can be flown.
Regulatory Committee chairwoman Linda Cooper said the changes were important to ensure people's privacy in public spaces.
'Drones are becoming much more commonly used by members of the public. We won't have any control of their use over private property, but we can set regulations for the public area,' she said.
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The code of conduct will specify where and when drones can be flown in public places and outline night and altitude restrictions.
A two-month public consultation in 2018 showed there was widespread support for tightening the rules. Of the 1688 responses received, 87 per cent were supportive of the proposal.
Only 8 per cent of respondents opposed it. Key concerns raised were around safety and privacy.
Councillor Mike Lee said the regulations would ensure protection for the safety and privacy of the public.
'I think it's a sensible recognition that drones are now very much part of the world we live in and we need to ensure protection for privacy and of course for safety,' he said.
A council panel recommended changes to the bylaw as it was 'the most appropriate way to protect people from nuisance or unsafe behaviours and activities in public places'.
The council does not have the power to implement a total ban on drones in public places, as it would be contrary to government legislation that allows their use. It also has no authority to regulate drones over private property.
The changes were approved at the council's Governing Body meeting on Thursday and will come into force on October 1.