Recreational drones banned from Auckland roads

Auckland Transport has clamped down on the use of drones for recreational use due to safety reasons.

New laws surrounding remote controlled air crafts came into effect late August last year, which included receiving owner permission before flying over properties.

Auckland Transport (AT), as the owners of public roads, decided this month that they would only be accepting applications from those with 102 certifications from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Mark Hannan, Auckland Transport (AT) media relations manager, said in an emailed statement this month that they won’t approve any 101 applications (leisure use) from the general public due to Auckland’s high risk roads.

However, East Auckland resident Harrison Young believes that AT shouldn’t write off all 101 applications.

“Recreational drones can be used for many different uses above public roads, especially if they have been authorised,” he said.

Mr Hannan made no comment on whether any accidents played a role in AT’s decision to forbid recreational drone use.

The New Zealand Police encourages the ban. In an emailed statement they explained their concerns over drones being a distraction for motorists and the possibility of malfunctions causing a car crash.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson Mike Richards said it neither condones nor endorses AT’s decision.

“All we want to do is make sure people fly their RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or drone safely. That’s really all we are concerned about,” said Mr Richards.

Freelance drone user Dean Whitehead supports AT’s ban, saying that it maximises the public’s safety.

“I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “That way it ensures the good operators, the safe operators are not going to cause any accidents.”

The CAA states that licences are not required to fly drones under 101 rules, but North Shore resident Dan Wein thinks they should be introduced.

“I’d like to see some kind of licensing. A lot of other countries are starting to bring a lot more laws around them so I think New Zealand will follow suit.”