A member of the Queens city council has joined forces with the local district attorney’s office to draft tougher legislation to keep illegal drones from flying New York City skies.
Councilman Paul Vallone said he’s primarily focused on bringing a law to the locality that will “mirror” what already exists at the federal level, and that gives police a real enforcement provision, the New York Post reported.
Currently, the city is facing a “rampant proliferation” of illegal drones flying the city skies, Mr. Vallone said.
“It is scary to think that anybody can simply go buy a drone and fly it with wanton disregard for the safety of those around them,” Mr. Vallone told the Post.
The police, meanwhile, have kicked off a crackdown campaign against drones.
The Federal Aviation Administration bans drones for commercial purposes. City residents are allowed to fly them for recreational reasons in parks, but must keep them below 400 feet, a height limit that’s often violated.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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