POLICE are to be given powers to prevent the criminal use of drones as part of a new package of legislation which will see users forced to register some devices and take safety courses.

The UK Parliament’s draft Drone Bill will give officers in Scotland the right to order operators to ground drones and seize parts to prove a device has been used to commit an offence.

New measures will also make it mandatory for drone owners to register devices weighing more than 250 grams. And drone operators will be required to sit safety awareness tests and use apps to make sure any planned flight can be made safely and legally.

Banning drones from flying near airports or above 400 feet could also form part of the new regulations.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Criminal Misuse of Drones, Assistant Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, said drone users could face “serious criminal charges” if they are used to invade privacy or cause disruption to flights.

She added: “Police officers will use all available powers to investigate reports of criminal misuse of drones and seek the appropriate penalty. Make sure you know the rules for using a drone because it is always your responsibility to ensure that you are acting within the law and in line with the Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone Code.”

Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said new laws will “strike a balance, to allow the vast majority of drone users to continue flying safely and responsibly”.

The UK Government will publish the draft Drone Bill for consultation and introduce secondary legislation amendments in spring 2018.