Ventnor Considers Ban on Pesky Drone Use; Privacy Concern and Danger

Ventnor Drones
Ventnor to Clamp Down on Drone Use

Ventnor is considering the potential for banning pesky and non-compliant drone use. Some call these self-flying machines: unmanned aerial systems. Most people called them drones.

‘As they become cheaper, they also become problematic if not properly regulated’, says Margaret Hammond. The mother of 2 was ‘buzzed’ by a drone next to the Ventnor Library last week. ‘At first I thought it was bird, but when it came close to my kids, I panicked after hearing whirring propeller blades’ says Hammond, who vacations in Ventnor each summer.

Ventnor City is taking action on drones. A safety issue… says the city.

Beach-goers and those enjoying outdoor activity have complained that their privacy is being invaded. Other have fear of a fast-flying drone crashing into their heads. While kids may have trouble with affording these new unmanned aerial systems, it’s now common to see adults hovering these drones over packed beaches.

To be sure, drones can be used in many positive ways.  Ex: shark spotting, police surveillance, real estate, sport photography, etc. Some drones can even save a life by carrying a flotation device to a swimmer caught in a rip-current. At worse, these remote-cameras can be used for spying, privacy invasion, and some forms of trespassing.

The Ventnor Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance on July 21. It aims to protect us from the hazards of unmanned aerial aircraft. A second reading and public hearing will be Thursday, Aug. 18., at 6pm.

If passed, the ordinance would prohibit drone use over any government property, public buildings, or parks without prior written permission from the police chief for a special event or city sponsored event. Flying a drone below 400 feet , over Ventnor beaches from May 31 to Sept. 1., would also be banned without previous consent.

Drone Violators in Ventnor could be fined up to $2,000, and/or be ordered to do 90 days of community service.

It does not prohibit the use of drones by law enforcement or emergency services organizations, or any federal, state, county or municipal agency.

Failing register a drone with the FAA carries a $27,500 federal penalty and fines of up to $250,000 or three years in prison.

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