On the question of using drones to increase road safety in the future, Minister for Internal Security François Bausch seemed enthusiastic about the concept. Responding to the parliamentary question submitted by MP Max Hahn (Democratic Party), Bausch conceded that the authorities could introduce drones in the near future in order to detect and sanction dangerous driving on Luxembourgish roads.
He elaborated, explaining that the police are in the process of developing a strategic concept for the use of drones in road safety matters. Whilst the police force does currently have drones in possession, they are mainly used for documenting purposes in police investigations. If the route surveillance proposal does get the go ahead, it appears the drones could have their use diversified.
Bausch added that the police are also examining measures for implementing drone use, as well as the types of drones required and the quantities needed. The minister also alluded to the potentiality of partnering with the Luxembourgish army's air division.
The idea is not unheard of given that the Spanish police introduced the use of drones to detect Highway Code infractions as of 1 August 2019. Similar pilot projects have been launched in both France and the United Kingdom.
However, before Luxembourg follows suit, the government will have to create an adequate legal framework for using drones in these circumstances. It may be a while yet before any implementation of drones detecting driving infractions takes place.
