Consultation on Draft Ceredigion County Council Drones Policy
This consultation will close on 14 January 2026.
Ceredigion County Council is calling on residents to share their views on how drones should be used to keep communities safe and tackle anti-social behaviour.
Drones have the potential to drive efficiencies in key areas such as monitoring hotspots, supporting emergency response, and gathering evidence for investigations and building inspections.
We know that our use of drones raises important questions about privacy and accountability – and we want your input.
Further Information
Click on this link to download the draft Drone Policy - Ceredigion County Council Draft Drone And UAV Policy
Click on this link to download a summary of the draft Drone Policy - Summary of Ceredigion County Council draft Drones Policy
Click on this link to download the Drone and UAV Privacy Notice - Ceredigion County Council Drones And UAV Privacy Notice
Click on this link to read the Integrated Impact Assessment - Integrated Impact Assessment - Ceredigion County Council draft Drone Policy
How to get involved
Complete our on-line survey - On-line survey
Download a paper copy - Word Version Of Draft Drones Policy Survey.
You can also collect a paper copy from your local Library or Leisure Centre or by calling 01545 570881 or emailing us at clic@ceredigion.gov.uk.
If you wish to receive the information in a different format, please contact us on 01545 570881 or email partnerships@ceredigion.gov.uk.
Please return paper copies to your local library or to Partnerships Team, Ceredigion County Council, Ceredigion County Hall Penmorfa, Aberaeron SA46 0PA.
Click here to read our Consultations Privacy Notice.
What will happen next?
Your feedback will help shape the final policy and ensure drones are used responsibly and transparently. The final policy will be presented to Ceredigion Cabinet for approval on 3rd March 2026.
For more information about Ceredigion Council Cabinet meetings, please follow this link - Ceredigion County Council.
Please read through the list of FAQ's below before telling us what you think about our proposed use of drones.
Drones will help improve public safety by monitoring anti-social behaviour hotspots, supporting emergency response, and gathering evidence for investigations. They provide a cost-effective way to cover large areas quickly.
The council will operate a small number of drones with varying capabilities, including high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging . All drones are operated by trained and certified staff.
Drones will only be used in specific circumstances authorised at a senior level such as responding to anti-social behaviour reports, supporting enforcement operations, or assisting emergency services. They will not be used for routine surveillance.
Protecting privacy is a top priority. Drones are to be deployed overtly in line with strict legal and ethical guidelines. Data collected is handled securely and only used for legitimate enforcement or safety purposes.
Footage is stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary for investigations or legal requirements. After this period, data is deleted in accordance with data protection laws.
All drone operations are carried out by council staff who have completed accredited remote pilot training and comply with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations.
No. Drones are not used to monitor private homes or gardens unless there is a lawful reason, such as a court order or emergency situation.
You can complete the online survey here - Online Survey
or
email your views to partnerships@ceredigion.gov.uk
or
ask us for a paper copy of the information and the survey by calling in to one of Ceredigion's Libraries or Leisure Centres or by calling 01545 570881 or emailing us at clic@ceredigion.gov.uk.
If you wish to receive the information in a different format, please contact us on 01545 570881 or email partnerships@ceredigion.gov.uk.