The public is being reminded that the use of camera drones in Port-of-Spain and other no-fly zones is strictly prohibited during tomorrow’s Independence Day celebrations.
The Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) has designated specific no-fly zones, as per the Civil Aviation (No.19) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Regulations 2016, which includes Port-of-Spain, Chaguaramas, Caroni, Point-a-Pierre, Point Lisas, Point Fortin and Galeota areas.
Officials have advised that drones are not to be operated within five kilometres of any manned aircraft operation, including the boundary of any airport; within two kilometres of any helipad; at an altitude of over 400 feet; and over any crowded area or over any public event.
The TTPS said it will be deploying counter-drone measures over Port-of-Spain and environs to assist with safety and security, with special emphasis on the military parade, cultural show, fireworks and drone show.
Members of the Air Support Unit and other law enforcement agencies will be paying special attention to unauthorized and errant use of drones for the entire day—and officials have said all necessary steps will be taken to safeguard and protect the public, service personnel, attendees and display aircraft, especially where drones create a hazard during this very security sensitive event.
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation also yesterday announced that light motor vehicles will be permitted to use both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the Priority Bus Route (PBR) from 8 pm tomorrow to facilitate Independence Day celebrations.
In an advisory, the ministry said the temporary measure will apply only to light motor vehicles and will remain in effect until midnight.
The ministry explained that the arrangement is intended to support traffic management for the nation’s Independence Day activities.
