The UK Government has proposed a new set of legislation in a bid to ensure safe and legal drone flights across the country.

The legislation is included in a draft Drone Bill, which is set to be published next year for consultation and secondary legislation amendments.

With the new legislation, the UK intends to empower police officials to prevent the unsafe or criminal use of drones.

“We have to take steps to stop illegal use of these devices and address safety and privacy concerns.”

The police officers will be given the right to order operators to ground drones wherever necessary.

They will also be able to seize drone parts to prove the criminal activity of a flight.

New legislation will also make it mandatory for drone owners to register their vehicles while drone operators will be required to use apps to confirm the safety and legality of their flights.

Changes to the UK’s Air Navigation Order are also expected to be made to make drone users sit safety awareness tests and ban drones from flying near airports or higher than 400ft.

The changes could also require the users of drones weighing 250g and over to register with the concerned authority.

Aviation minister Baroness Sugg said: “Drones have great potential and we want to do everything possible to harness the benefits of this technology as it develops.

“But if we are to realise the full potential of this incredibly exciting technology, we have to take steps to stop illegal use of these devices and address safety and privacy concerns.”

The UK also aims to explore the potential of new drone technology to improve businesses and public services with the proposed bill.