Flight restrictions for drones imposed during Labour Conference in Liverpool

Flight restrictions affecting drones will be imposed above Liverpool city centre as part of the policing operation during the Labour Party Conference.

A temporary airspace restriction will be in place between 10pm on Friday 20 September and 5am on Thursday 26 September, meaning it will be an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2,000 ft above sea level in a designated area (pictured), without the explicit permission of Merseyside Police.

Drone users flying inside the Restricted Airspace that have not been granted permission will be guilty of committing an offence and could be prosecuted as well as having their equipment seized and confiscated.

The airspace restrictions will have an impact on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which refers to drones and their users – this does not affect commercial flights.

Keir Starmer - Labour Party Conference - Liverpool. Image: Shutterstock / Martin Suker — Keir Starmer – Labour Party Conference – Liverpool. Image: Shutterstock / Martin Suker

Chief Inspector Iain Wyke of Protective Security Operations at Merseyside Police said:

“Our policing plans for the Labour Party Conference are extensive and take into consideration land, sea and air. These airspace restrictions, like other security measures we will have in place such as road closures or patrols on the River Mersey, are aimed at keeping delegates and the wider public safe.

“Specialist resources, made up of Merseyside Police officers and officers from regional and national teams, including air support will be in place for the duration of the conference, and we are also working with partners including the local authority, other emergency services, businesses and the Labour Party to ensure it is a safe and secure event.”

Full details of the restrictions are available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website.

Anyone who wishes to seek consideration for the safe and appropriate flight of a drone in these areas must obtain permission from Merseyside Police by sending an email to: drone.exemptions@merseyside.police.uk.