DRONES have taken to the skies above Southampton as part of groundbreaking research into the aerial technology.

This means, in as little as two years, locals may see the devices flying round the city carrying out tasks, such as exploring hazardous areas, delivering emergency medical supplies, or even helping to find potholes.

At Mayflower Park yesterday (June 5), civic chiefs, scientists, aviation experts and government officials teamed up for the start of a £600,000 project to explore how the devices can be used to provide public services in built-up areas.

Named the Flying High Challenge, the scheme will look at public attitudes towards drones, environmental impact, as well as drone safety in complex urban locations.

This comes after the city was named as one of five drone capitals of the country.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, member for environment and transport, said: “This is an exciting project that puts Southampton at the forefront of research into how drone technology could work in every day life. 

“We won’t suddenly see an increase in drone traffic.

The project is about exploring how drone technology could be introduced safely and for the benefit of all.

“This will put us at the front of the queue to benefit as the use of drones becomes more commonplace in the future.”

The scheme is run by innovation charity Nesta, which has organised the scheme through its Challenge Prize Centre.

It will be run in conjunction with the government’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.

The organisations will focus on issues such as how drones can be used to inspect buildings and infrastructure for maintenance.

One of the challenges will involve discussing current laws and regulations involving drones, which currently cannot be flown within 150 metres of a built-up area.

They must also be kept in sight and at least 50 metres away from another person, a vehicle or a building.

Also as part of the project, the city council has teamed up with the University of Southampton.

This specific focus will be on the port, with experts hoping drones could be used to test water and air quality, or even police the surrounding waters.

Jim Scanlan, professor of aerospace design, said: “This project is an exciting opportunity for us to further our research into the use of the next generation of platforms which we want to fly in urban areas, close to people and infrastructure.

“The Southampton bid will bring together a strong partnership of users who can genuinely move the UK forward.”

Nishita Dewan, programme lead for the Flying High Challenge, added: “Cities represent an important medium, through which we can understand the public’s needs, both for the Flying High Challenge and our partner, Innovate UK.

We want to co-create a solution that understands the needs of local people and the future city they want to live in.”

As part of the scheme, the city council is also running a public survey. To take part, visit: southamptoncitycouncil.researchfeedback.net/wh/s.asp?k=152819149927