3 days Ago By Dan Coombs
DELIVERY drones are to be tested flying as low as 50ft over roads — despite fears they will be a dangerous distraction to drivers. The idea is being considered in the hope it will open up new ways they can be used by business. At present, the devices are not permitted below about 165ft — but National Highways has called in consultants to see whether it is safe for them to fly much lower.
But 50ft is only the height of a typical four-storey house or two double-decker buses. Motoring groups have expressed concern about the idea — with the AA warning drones could prove a dangerous distraction to road users. It said: “Drivers need to keep their eyes on the road and minimising the chance that their gaze is drawn elsewhere is important.
” READ MORE ON DRONES SPACE INVADER Watch Nasa drone that will visit nearby 'ocean' moon in hunt for alien life CON-DIMENTS Lags using drones to fly everything from drugs to mustard to cell windows National Highways has appointed engineering company Arup to carry out five months of research. It has been briefed to see if the height limit can be lowered “without distracting drivers — enabling the potential for many more drone flights to meet growing business needs”. But the AA also queried how legitimate business drones could be told apart from rogue ones — and what happened if bad weather caused their loads to be lost or drones to crash.
Its spokesman added: “Drones already show their worth by helping the emergency services but the operators have safety front of mind. Most read in Tech LUCKY ESCAPE Horror as driver, 21, comes seconds from death as car EXPLODES in fireball SNOWVEMBER Exact date Scots to be hit with 'six day snow blast' as temps hit sub-zero DOUBLE-DECKER SMASH Horror bus crash leaves SEVENTEEN in hospital after head-on smash 'ROCK BOTTOM' Ex-Dundee Utd chief can't resist Rangers CEO quip as he files for bankruptcy “There are also drones used for filming, surveying and other uses but commercial use would add a new dimension.” 1 Plans are underway to test delivery drones at a height of just 50ft Credit: Getty Amazon unveils Always Home Cam flying drone that autonomously patrols your house.
