Restricted the flight of unmanned aircraft in two designated zones in Middlesbrough during specified hours on 8 September 2026.
These Regulations prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft below 1,200 feet above mean sea level in two specific circular areas near Middlesbrough on 8 September 2026.
The restrictions apply between 0600 and 2000 Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) to all drone operators, except those granted specific permission by the Cleveland Police Drone Unit.
The Secretary of State issued these directions to ensure public safety and security in the specified vicinity.
Arguments For
The Secretary of State asserts that the restrictions are necessary in the public interest.
The explanatory note states that the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport agree the measures are required for reasons of public safety and security.
The document cites article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 as the legal basis for exercising these powers.
Arguments Against
Operators of unmanned aircraft may face restricted access to airspace for commercial or recreational activities within the specified 1.08 nautical mile radii.
The effectiveness of the restriction depends on the communication of the order via Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) and the subsequent enforcement by local authorities.
The regulations provide the Cleveland Police Drone Unit with discretionary power to grant exemptions, which may lead to uncertainty for operators regarding the criteria for such permissions.
Citation and commencement
- These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Middlesborough) (No. 3) Regulations 2026 and they come into force on 8th September 2026.
This section establishes the official title of the regulations and sets the date they become legally active. The rules take effect on 8 September 2026.
Interpretation
- The times referred to in regulations 3(1) and (2) are Co-ordinated Universal Time( b ).
This section defines the time standard used throughout the document.
It specifies that all listed times follow Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is one hour behind British Summer Time.
Restricted airspace
- -(1) Subject to paragraph (3), during the period beginning with 0600 hours and ending with 2000 hours on 8th September 2026 no unmanned aircraft is to fly below 1,200 feet above mean sea level within the area bounded by a circle having a radius of 1.08 nautical miles which is centred at 543212N 0011432W.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), during the period beginning with 0600 hours and ending with 2000 hours on 8th September 2026 no unmanned aircraft is to fly below 1,200 feet above mean sea level within the area bounded by a circle having a radius of 1.08 nautical miles which is centred at 543338N 0011116W.
(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply to any unmanned aircraft flying in accordance with the permission of the Cleveland Police Drone Unit.
This section mandates two temporary restricted zones where drones and other unmanned aircraft are prohibited from flying below 1,200 feet.
Each zone covers a radius of 1.08 nautical miles around specific geographic coordinates between 0600 and 2000 UTC on 8 September 2026.
Pilots may only enter this airspace if they have obtained prior authorization from the Cleveland Police Drone Unit.
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