The flying of drones and unmanned aerial systems, for any purpose, is governed by legislation to protect the safety and privacy of both the user and the public. If you plan to use drones you must make sure you meet the requirements of national legislation and any local byelaws.
It is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs. You can also be fined for breaking the law when flying. In the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison.
Drones can also be referred to as:
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS)
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
- Small unmanned Aerial System (SUAS)
Legislation covering use of drones
You must register before flying most drones or model aircraft outdoors in the UK.
There are two legal requirements and you may need to meet both:
- If you will be flying the drone, you must pass a theory test to get a flyer ID
- If you're responsible for a drone or model aircraft, you must register for an operator ID
Full information about the theory test and registration is on the Civil Aviation Authority's website. You can get both your flyer ID and operator ID at the same time.
Safety when flying drones
You are responsible for flying safely whenever you fly.
- Read the CAA's Drone Code on flying safely and responsibly
- Read the CAA's Drone Code on where you can fly safely
Use of drones and privacy
You are responsible for respecting other people's privacy when flying.
There is guidance from the CAA on not invading privacy, and also from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) on respecting privacy considerations.
Report suspicious, dangerous or anti-social drone activity
If you have concerns regarding potential misuse contact the Police on 101 or 999 with the following information:
- Where is the drone and where is the pilot - Location
- Description of the drone / pilot
- When did this incident take place
- What is causing you concern / reason for supporting the issue
- If possible record video of the concerning incident and events
Commercial filming with drones
If you intend to film with drones for commercial purposes, you will need permission from Herefordshire Council and charges will apply.
To apply, complete the filming in Herefordshire application form and specify what type of filming you are doing and that you are filming with drones.
Use of drones for community protection
The Community Protection Team at Herefordshire Council may use the above technologies to enable us to pursue enquiries made by members of the public. The focus will be to view land and premises in the county in relation to:
- Queries raised by members of the public
- Investigations of illegal activity
In the course of this work, it is possible that individuals on the ground may be recorded. Our privacy notice sets out how we operate and how we will protect your privacy in these cases.
Read our Drone, model aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles privacy notice.
Drones over residential areas
We may from time to time operate the council's drones over residential or highly populated areas.
For transparency purposes we list the upcoming flights and their locations.
The drone will never be flown covertly and the land owner will always be made aware prior to flight.
We hold an Operational Authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the flights will be in accordance with our drone operations manual.
Drone flights for 2026
| Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 14 April 2026 | Land surrounding A49/A44 roundabout, Leominster |
Documenting and checking the progress of waste clearance |
| 1 April 2026 | Tinkers Corner, Coddington, Bosbury, HR8 1HZ |
Monitoring the build up and/or deposit of illegal waste and structure audit |
| 23 March 2026 | Near Coddington, Bosbury |
- |
| 20 March 2026 | Near Grafton |
- |
| 4 March 2026 | Tinkers Corner, Coddington, Bosbury, HR8 1HZ | Monitoring the build-up and/or deposits of illegal waste |
| 2 - 6 March 2026 | Madley Industrial Estate, Madley, Hereford HR2 9NQ | Aerial inspection |
| 11 February 2026 | Madley Industrial Estate, Madley, Hereford HR2 9NQ | Aerial inspection |