In order to improve security, the Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police Service are applying to restrict use of the airspace over Windsor up to 2,500ft within a 1.5 nautical mile radius around Windsor Castle.
The Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police Service are applying to restrict use of the airspace up to 2,500ft within a 1.5 nautical mile radius around Windsor Castle. The application will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority who will review the application and, you have a window of opportunity to submit your comments to RAOWindsor@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk by Friday 30 April 2021.
commercial flights will continue to operate above 2,500 ft
The nature of the order and who it will impact
This Order is being sought to ensure the safety of the public, community and our iconic location and is based on security analysis. It would be a permanent Restriction and therefore potentially indefinite but it would be reviewed at intervals to ensure that it was still valid and accurate and in line with security assessments.
It only impacts the airspace user groups such as drone operators, helicopter pilots, aircraft operators but exemptions for some groups may be granted. Local flying clubs can apply for a letter of dispensation from the controlling authority which negates need for daily/weekly calls but otherwise it is done when required.
However, commercial flights will continue to operate above 2,500 ft, making for a steeper descent into Heathrow as aircraft fly higher over Windsor
Unless someone has an exemption or prior permission, anyone who breaches the restrictions faces prosecution.
Comment from Thames Valley & Hampshire Constabulary
A spokesperson from the Thames Valley & Hampshire Constabulary commented that, “Advances in technology over recent years have meant we all need to keep pace with such changes when considering our own working practices and the vulnerabilities that may be present. Utilising multiple “layers” of security when approaching such concerns is by far the best approach when mitigating risk and at the same time maintaining a proportionate and non-too intrusive approach”
Please respond by 30 April 2021
How to have your say
You can find out more information by downloading the leaflet in the image or visit The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website SERA implementation: legislation and references | UK Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
Please respond by 30 April 2021 by email RAOWindsor@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or via the website – click here
Accountably yours,
Wisdom Da Costa
Caveat
- This post is part of the WWRA and its Councillors regular series of Blogs to inform and empower local residents; as promised in their election leaflet
- It is also to comply with clause v of the Members Code of Conduct which states, “You must be as open as possible about your decisions and actions and the decisions and actions of your authority and should be prepared to give reasons for those decisions and actions.”
- The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the West Windsor Residents Association (WWRA).
- Any errors are unintentional so, I would value you bringing them to my intention so I can correct them. You can Email me cllr.dacosta@rbwm.gov.uk
