New signage at RAF and naval bases has sparked debate online about so-called “prohibited places,” part of the UK’s National Security Act now being rolled out.
A new Geeksvana video explains how the legislation is changing the rules for drone operators near military and defence industrial sites, and why the implications extend well beyond traditional flight restriction zones.
In the video, Sean from Geeksvana stresses that this is no longer a matter of consultation. “This is very much here and now,” he explains, outlining how the Act allows government, military, and even approved private facilities to be legally designated as prohibited places.
That means drone pilots may face prosecution if they fly into the new zones or even if they are seen filming from outside them. “You could be outside of the prohibited place, inspecting it, so perhaps filming in the case of a drone, and actually still fall foul of the legislation,” Sean warns.
Prohibited sites will soon begin appearing on mapping apps such as Drone Assist, although not always as the familiar red circles used for airports or temporary restrictions. Instead, users should expect “unusual shapes on the map” marking the new zones.
Enforcement will also be strengthened by using Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order, which governs drone restrictions at events or protests. According to Sean, this will make enforcement “very, very simple, but it also makes it essential that we all do check the restrictions we see on apps and maps.”
For the defence sector, this underscores how the UK is hardening the ‘security perimeter’ around sensitive sites, with police and authorities empowered to act more aggressively where drones are concerned.
The message is clear: drone pilots should take the new signs seriously. As Sean concludes, “These zones will be enforced aggressively in most instances, similar to airports. So we need to at the very least take notice of these new signs.”
👉 Watch the full Geeksvana breakdown here for detailed guidance.
Good move. There used to be more restrictive procedures in place for overflights of military establishments.
Totally agree I’ve seen people on YouTube flying over military bases and always thought that’s not a good idea I know there isn’t much to see but just seems a bit crazy to be able to let anyone fly drones over military bases
They are only jealous that we have got loads and the MOD have bugger all !
A sign of the times. The UK needs to get this sort of thing under control. The world is not such a friendly place anymore.
It seems only a matter of time before there will be the ability to simply fry any drones in a prohibited place.
Potentially there might well be a method, in due course, tp gain permission and to have any footage approved.
Protect the hotels,migrants are here to live not to be filmed .and take that horrible flag down this is britain.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧