Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Flying drones banned in central London until after Queen’s funeral, police say

The Metropolitan Police said it will take ‘enforcement action’ against anyone flying a drone before Monday evening, meaning possible prosecution.

Ted Hennessey
Tuesday 13 September 2022 17:12 BST
Drones cannot be flown in central London without permission (Joe Giddens/PA)
Drones cannot be flown in central London without permission (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Flying a drone without permission in central London is banned until after the Queen’s funeral, police say.

The Metropolitan Police said it will take “enforcement action” against anyone flying a drone before Monday evening, meaning possible prosecution and the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) being seized.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority said the flying ban, which stretches from Purley in the borough of Croydon in the south-east to Hendon, Barnet in the north-west, is “necessary in the interests of security”.

It added that drones are included within the restriction.

The force said in response: “We will take enforcement action against anyone using a drone without permission in the restricted area, which covers much of central London.

“The restrictions are for public safety. Any breaches may result in you facing prosecution and your drone being seized.”

The ban includes small balloons, kites and parachutes and covers events such as the procession of the Queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, her lying in state and the funeral.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “As part of the overall security arrangements following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, the Secretary of State for Transport has decided that it is necessary in the interests of security to introduce Restriction of Flying Regulations under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 in the vicinity of central London during the period September 9-19 2022.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in