Trinidad issues drone restrictions as Carnival celebrations continue
PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is reminding people against using drones in areas designated “No Fly Zones” by the Civil Aviation Authority, as the country moves into the final weekend of the annual Carnival celebrations.
It said that drones are not to be operated within five kilometers of any manned aircraft operation including the boundary of any airport, within two kilometers of any helipad and at an altitude of over 400 feet, over any crowded area or over any public event.
“The only exceptions to these rules are for drone operations of which the operators have received authorisations/dispensations from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority which comes after a rigorous evaluation of advanced applications.
“In these cases, the operators have to meet a number of requirements as applicants and follow very stringent guidelines to maintain a safe air space,” the TTPS said.
It said it would be deploying law enforcement drones throughout the country with a significant saturation over Port of Spain and environs to assist with safety and security for the Carnival period with members of the TTPS Air Support Unit paying special attention to errant use of drones.
“All necessary steps will be taken to safeguard the public especially where drones create a hazard with respect to public safety or to any aircraft, including law enforcement drones,’ the TTPS said, adding that there are still a number of major mas and cultural related events to continue until Saturday, March 8, which is considered the remaining Carnival 2025 period.
The TTPS said that during the period mentioned, major Carnival events including fetes, shows, street performances and Parade of the Bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday are expected to attract thousands of spectators and attendees.
“Historically, the mentioned period has been known to have a proliferation of unauthorised drone activity within ‘No Fly Zones’ which create serious hazards with respect to potential injury to persons and damage to property.
“This type of situation also utilises a lot of redirected human and technical resources when law enforcement has to respond to unauthorised activity. This significantly hinders efforts to provide constant safety and security for the public,” the TTPS added. (CMC)
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