Drone users to sit safety tests under new UK law

Drone users will be required to do safety awareness tests as part of a planned new legislation on their usage in the UK.

Police will be given new powers to clamp down on illegal use of the remote-controlled devices.

The government wants to harness new drone technology which could see them used for the likes of parcel deliveries and organ transplants.

The pilots’ union welcomed the bill, after warning of near misses involving the airborne vehicles.

The union's general secretary, Brian Strutton, said: "These proposals are a step towards the safe integration of drones, but until the new rules are in place the threat of a serious collision remains."

It comes after a drone flew directly over the wing of a large passenger jet as it came into land at Gatwick Airport in July.

The proposed bill, which is to be published next year, would ensure owners of drones weighing more than 250g would need to register and sit a test.

Owners would be banned from flying them near airports or at heights above 400ft under the proposals.

Police could also get new powers to ground and seize drones if they suspect they had been used in criminal activity.