A ban has been imposed on flying unauthorised drones over the Pukkelpop festival site.
Local police will deploy specialised detection software and fine any unlicensed operators of drones flying over the festival. Fines could reach up to €8,000, warned Dorien Baens, a member of the local police force.
Last year saw the successful testing of a no-fly zone over the Pukkelpop site, located in Kiewit, near Hasselt, in Limburg. Software developed by SkeyDrone helped detect 69 drones illegally flying over the festival.
“We realised that many amateur pilots wanted to capture images of Pukkelpop and other events in the region. That’s why we opted to set up a drone detection system,” explained Baens.
This year the no-fly zone will be reinstated, with any drone in this area automatically detected by the police.
“A drone flying over a festival site can be very dangerous. If the pilot is inexperienced and/or lacks knowledge about piloting, things can go disastrously wrong," Baens explained. "A drone falling from a significant height can be extremely dangerous to anyone below.
"We also fear that drones could be used to smuggle drugs or weapons into the festival,” he added.
The fines vary, but could amount to up to €8,000.
In addition, police will set up QR codes across the festival site. These will allow attendees to report any issues directly using their smartphones. The police will then provide guidance based on the nature of the issue reported.
