Drone related complaints to the police in England have increased by more than 2,000% in the last three years.
Freedom of Information figures demonstrate that in 2013 officers recorded 19 calls compared to at least 461 this year, and in the last year the number increased by over 160%.
A rise in public use of drones has been accompanied by, in several cases, a lack of awareness about privacy and airspace laws.
Official clubs state that they are working in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority as well as retailers to generate a greater awareness of these regulations.
Chairman of the British FPV Drone Racing Association, Nigel Tomlinson, says that more legislation will not solve the issue.
He stated that the legislation is already in place to govern these things and the safe use of the drones, as well as how to use them properly. He added that he thinks the technology and sport of drones has grown so rapidly that the education has not caught up with it.
He also said that part of the problem is people can purchase the drones off shelves on the high street and they do not understand the law on airfields. They simply need to assist in educating people so they can use drones safely.
Drone racing champion James Bowles is urging users to act responsibility.
He stated that drones are not just toys and that you have to have some common sense and safety rules. Don’t fly over buildings; don’t fly near people; and definitely do not go near roads.
He added that you see people flying over roads and it simply is not sensible. At any time these drones can drop out of the sky, and no matter how much preparation you do, you need to be ready for that. You have to fly responsibility.
Nigel Wilson, in September, became the first person in England to be prosecuted by the CPS for illegally flying drones.
Professor David David, from the University of Birmingham, states that it is very hard to bring about prosecutions due to the anonymity of drone flying.
He stated that the practice and regulation of dealing with drones is far behind the technology so there are laws in place but the laws are greatly ignored. When the drones are recovered there is no way of tracking who did this so anyone who loses a drone in those situations would not come forward and admit it.
The CAA provides a “dronecode” informing users not to fly higher than 400ft, or near airfields or aircraft, and always keep a watchful eye on the drones.
The law also says that drones featuring cameras must not be flown within 50 metres of buildings or structures, vehicles, people or over large gatherings.