Police urged to target dangerous drivers with drones

Road safety experts are calling for more police to use drones to target dangerous drivers after Devon and Cornwall Police began using the technology.

Currently, the police force is using drones to monitor speeding and crack-down on dangerous driving at speeding hotspots. 

The technology, which can spot motorists from 6km (3.7 miles) away, has been used by members of the police force and drone unit to help track dangerous drivers and capture their movements on camera. 

The drone footage is then sent back so the police can check if the vehicle has passed an MOT, is insured, taxed or stolen.

When a vehicle is detected breaking the law, patrol cars can then be sent to its location to deal with the offender, whether that be by reporting them to court for prosecution, arresting them on the spot, or handing out a fine.  

The number of deaths on UK roads rose from 1,558 in 2021 to 1,695 in 2022 – an increase of 8.7% – according to the most recent figures published by the Department for Transport (DfT). 

Road safety experts at Road Angel want drones to be used by every police force to help reduce the number of people being killed or seriously injured on UK roads. 

A freedom of information request to find the worst offending regions in the UK for speeding revealed Devon and Cornwall did not even make the top ten list. 

Number of speeding tickets issued by Police forces in Britain from (Jan 21 to Jan 23). Source:Road Angel

Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel, said: “The drone initiative has already proved successful and useful for Devon and Cornwall police forces, so the delay in introducing it nationwide is disappointing. 

“Not only does the technology help police to find and punish dangerous drivers, but it will also deter them from driving recklessly knowing they are more likely to be caught. 

“Using high-tech drones to crack down on motoring offences and record incidences of unsafe driving has the potential to transform UK roads and reduce accidents and fatalities.”

Digva says that drones need to be urgently introduced in areas such as Yorkshire and the East Midlands where police forces have recorded high incidences of dangerous driving. 

He continued: “Having drone video evidence is a  great way to catch offenders in the act and help with prosecution, which will ultimately keep reckless drivers off the road. 

“The sooner that the technology is introduced to police forces nationwide, the quicker we will see an improvement in road accident cases.”