With drones being so readily available to businesses and consumers these days, authorities are faced with a conundrum as to whether they should see it as something of a threat or an expensive hobby. So far the response has been mixed but as far as Japan is concerned, in Tokyo drone hobbyists will not be allowed to fly their devices in public parks.
According to officials, they cite visitor safety as the reason for banning UAVs from being flown in public parks, which we guess makes sense as an inexperienced drone user could end up crashing the device into someone and cause some serious harm as some drones can be heavy, and let’s not forget its rotating blades which could easily slash someone’s face or eye.
This ruling was also inspired after a man who protested the government’s nuclear energy policy landed a drone carrying radioactive material on the roof of the prime minister’s residence. The ban will be applied to 81 public parks throughout the prefecture and authorities are stating that those who violate the rules could face fines up to ¥50,000 which is about $420 after conversion.
Interestingly enough despite the stated penalty, it seems that officials claim that they have no intention of imposing it but they are asking people to comply nonetheless.