The public has been warned that operating camera drones in Port-of-Spain and other designated no-fly areas will be prohibited during tomorrow’s Independence Day celebrations.
The Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) has identified several restricted areas under the Civil Aviation (No.19) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Regulations 2016.
The designated no-fly zones include Port-of-Spain, Chaguaramas, Caroni, Point-a-Pierre, Point Lisas, Point Fortin and Galeota.
According to officials, drones must not be flown within five kilometres of any manned aircraft operation, including the boundary of an airport, or within two kilometres of a helipad. Drone operators are also prohibited from flying above 400 feet or operating the devices over densely populated areas or public events.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said counter-drone measures will be deployed across Port-of-Spain and surrounding areas as part of security arrangements for the celebrations. Particular attention will be given to the military parade, cultural show, fireworks display and drone show.
Members of the Air Support Unit, alongside other law enforcement agencies, will monitor drone activity throughout the day for unauthorized or unsafe operations. Authorities said they will take all necessary measures to protect members of the public, service personnel, event attendees and display aircraft, particularly where unauthorized drones could pose a threat during the highly security-sensitive celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation announced yesterday that light motor vehicles will temporarily be allowed to travel along both eastbound and westbound lanes of the Priority Bus Route (PBR) from 8 pm tomorrow as part of measures to accommodate Independence Day activities.
In an advisory, the ministry clarified that the temporary traffic arrangement applies exclusively to light motor vehicles and will continue until midnight.
The ministry said the measure is designed to help manage traffic flow and facilitate movement during the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
