Lawyer calls for drones to replace Police helicopters in wake of Clutha tragedy
One of Scotland’s highest profile road traffic law specialists has called for drones to be employed to replace police helicopters in the wake of the Clutha incident, in which nine people are now confirmed to have been killed.
"Risks for the crew and the citizens of Glasgow are massive"
Graham Walker of Road Traffic Law said the use of drones could prevent tragedies such as the Clutha event, or the prior Eastwood Toll helicopter crash in 1990.
His comments come in response to news that online retailer Amazon's plans to employ drones to undertake its deliveries in the future.
“Let's use these drones as "Eye in the Sky" devices and stop any more awful tragedies like the Clutha Vaults Helicopter Crash and the EastWood Toll Crash,” Graham Walker said.
“Several such drones could be available and deployed as and when required. A Eurocopter EC135 T2 costs £2.5 million to buy. God, knows how much to operate and the incumbent risks for the crew and the citizens of Glasgow are massive, as we all now know.
“Drones cost approx £1.5k each fitted with cameras and remote operator training is cheap and effective with staff already monitoring CCTV throughout Glasgow this could be added part of the CCTV operation.
“I am not suggesting blanket coverage of the city but simple response units based throughout the city that can be flown as and when required.”
Walker is one of Scotland’s highest profile road traffic defence specialists, acting for cricketer Shane Warne and, earlier this year, representing Sir Ranulph Fiennes after the explorer was charged with speeding offences.