Council Rules Out Public Car Park for Drone Trial

A council has announced that a contentious drone trial will not proceed from a public car park. The Inteliports Drone Trial, which was intended for drone-based goods delivery from the Mornington Road car park on the Isle of Wight, had already been postponed twice due to objections from local residents. Isle of Wight Council leader Phil Jordan has now stated that the council was not in a position to “issue a temporary licence for use of the Mornington Road site.” He indicated that Inteliports would instead seek alternative locations within “privately-owned rural areas.” Earlier, residents had described the Cowes site as “inappropriate” for the six-month trial, which was projected to involve as many as six flights daily. A specific concern raised by residents was the necessity of closing the car park throughout the trial period. Inteliports had previously stated that it had “surveyed several sites across the island” but determined the car park to be the most viable choice. The trial’s original start date of 7 August was initially postponed by one week to facilitate a meeting between Isle of Wight Council officers and residents. Subsequently, the trial experienced a further delay to provide the council with “time to consider the licence for access to the site.” Jordan, who also serves as the cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, affirmed that the council remains “committed to working collaboratively with Inteliports in the future.” He added, “We acknowledge the innovative potential of drone technology and the importance of skilled pilot schemes in ensuring safe and efficient operations.” Jordan further stated, “We understand the critical importance of selecting the right location to ensure the success of any trial and that such initiatives have support from the local community.”