The UK government has pledged £49.5 million to support the development of drone and flying taxi technology, as well as initiatives to tackle illegal drone use and improve safety in UK skies.
The funding, announced by the Department for Transport, will be used to develop a numberplate ID system for drones, allowing police to identify and prosecute illegal users more effectively.
Illegal drone use has become a growing concern in the UK, with reports of drones interfering with aircraft and posing a threat to public safety. The new ID system aims to address this issue and prevent reckless behaviour.
The funding will also be used to develop and test new drone technologies, including those designed for medical delivery and search and rescue operations.
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, stated that the government is committed to ensuring the safe and responsible use of drones. 'We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of drones are realised, while also protecting the public and aviation industry from the risks associated with their misuse,' he said.