Flight restrictions on drones for Labour Party Annual Conference

Flight restrictions affecting drones will be imposed above Liverpool city centre as part of the policing operation during the Labour Party Annual Conference.
 
A temporary airspace restriction will be in place between 10pm on 6 October and 5am on 12 October, meaning it will be an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 1,500ft above sea level in a designated area (pictured), without the explicit permission of Merseyside Police.

Drone users flying inside the Restricted Airspace that have not been granted permission will be guilty of committing an offence and could be prosecuted as well as having their equipment seized and confiscated. 

The airspace restrictions will have an impact on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which refers to drones and their users – this does not affect commercial flights.

Chief Inspector Iain Wyke of Protective Security Operations at Merseyside Police said: “Our policing plans for the Labour Party Conference are extensive and take into consideration land, sea and air. These airspace restrictions, like other security measures we will have in place such as road closures or patrols on the River Mersey, are aimed at keeping delegates and the wider public safe.

“Specialist resources, made up of Merseyside Police officers and officers from regional and national teams, including air support will be in place for the duration of the conference, and we are also working with partners including the local authority, other emergency services, businesses and the Labour Party to ensure it is a safe and secure event.”

Full details of the restrictions are available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website. 

Anyone who wishes to seek consideration for the safe and appropriate flight of a drone in the area must apply for permission from Merseyside Police via an online application available here

If you have any questions, email: [email protected].