Flying drones have been banned in central London until after the Queen’s funeral, police said

Flying drones without permission in central London is banned until after the Queen’s funeral, police said.

The Metropolitan Police said it would take “enforcement action” against anyone flying a drone before Monday night, meaning possible prosecution and seizure of the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

The UK Civil Aviation Authority said the flight ban, which stretches from Purley in the borough of Croydon in the south-east to Hendon, Barnet in the north-west, was “necessary in the interests of safety”.

He added that drones are included in the restriction.

The force said in response: “We will take enforcement action against anyone using a drone without permission in the restricted area, which covers much of central London.

“The restrictions are for public safety. Any violation may result in prosecution and confiscation of the drone.”

The ban includes small balloons, kites and parachutes and covers events such as the procession of the Queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, her lying in state and the funeral.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “As part of the overall security arrangements following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, the Secretary of State for Transport has decided that it is necessary in the interests of security to introduce section 239 flight restriction regulations . of the Air Navigation Order 2016 in the vicinity of central London during the period 9-19 September 2022.”