header-logo header-logo

14 January 2022 / Ed Cracknell
Issue: 7962 / Categories: Features , Property , Drones
printer mail-detail

Drone regulation is not a zero-sum game

68402
Ed Cracknell charts a flight path for drone regulation
  • Considers the many uses for drones now and in future.
  • Looks at existing case law and statute such as the Civil Aviation Act, and suggests nuisance rather than trespass may provide property law protection.
  • Sets out parameters and direction for government regulation as usage of drones increases.

It is often assumed that regulation is the enemy of business and innovation. Too much regulation may add significantly to the cost of running a business, disproportionately affecting small firms, and discouraging new players from entering the market. A reputation for over-regulation may make a country less attractive for inward investment, affecting its international competitiveness—not something the UK can afford to risk in the post-Brexit environment.

But done well, regulation can provide certainty, create a level playing field, and ensure high safety standards are maintained. A report published recently by the Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) argues that regulation can position the UK as a world leader in testing, developing and deploying

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Daniel Burbeary, Michelman Robinson

NLJ Career Profile: Daniel Burbeary, Michelman Robinson

Daniel Burbeary, office managing partner of Michelman Robinson, discusses launching in London, the power of the law, and what the kitchen can teach us about litigating

Sidley—Jeremy Trinder

Sidley—Jeremy Trinder

Global finance group strengthened by returning partner in London

Joelson—Jennifer Mansoor

Joelson—Jennifer Mansoor

West End firm strengthens employment and immigration team with partner hire

NEWS
A seemingly dry procedural update may prove potent. In his latest 'Civil way' column for NLJ this week, Stephen Gold explains that new CPR 31.12A—part of the 193rd update—fills a ‘lacuna’ exposed in McLaren Indy v Alpa Racing
The long-running Mazur saga edged towards its finale as the Court of Appeal heard arguments on whether non-solicitors can ‘conduct litigation’. Writing in NLJ this week, Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School reports from a packed courtroom where 16 wigs watched Nick Bacon KC argue that Mr Justice Sheldon had failed to distinguish between ‘tasks and responsibilities’
Cheating in driving tests is surging—and courts are responding firmly. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Parpworth of De Montfort Law School charts a rise in impersonation and tech-assisted fraud, with 2,844 attempts recorded in a year
As AI-generated ‘deepfake’ images proliferate, the law may already have the tools to respond. In NLJ this week, Jon Belcher of Excello Law argues that such images amount to personal data processing under UK GDPR
In a striking financial remedies ruling, the High Court cut a wife’s award by 40% for coercive and controlling behaviour. Writing in NLJ this week, Chris Bryden and Nicole Wallace of 4 King’s Bench Walk analyse LP v MP [2025] EWFC 473
back-to-top-scroll