DORSET Police has unveiled airspace and water restrictions which will be put in place from Thursday, September 1 to make way for the Bournemouth Air Festival

During the four-day event, members of the public are not allowed to fly drones or travel into onboard marine pleasure craft as the four-day event takes place. 

Dorset Police will have a counter drone team in operation throughout the event and will react to any incidents of drones in the airspace.  

The Force’s marine team will also be carrying out proactive patrols along the marine exclusion zone. 

Bournemouth Echo: Image by Dorset Police shows where the restrictions are in placeImage by Dorset Police shows where the restrictions are in place

Much of the airspace restrictions cover Poole Bay and start from Sandbanks and end in Southbourne.

Superintendent Wayne Nock, silver policing commander for the Bournemouth Air Festival said: “We want to ensure safety within the sky and on the water and will be enforcing the flight and marine restrictions put in place by BCP Council for the event. 

“Should any breach of these spaces occur during the event, officers will be deployed to take positive action against those involved. Please enjoy this fantastic event but do so responsibly.” 

Jon Weaver, Bournemouth Air Festival event director, said: “As is done every year, a robust event management plan has been developed by the council, working with our emergency service partners and these restrictions have been put in place to ensure the safety of the public and of course to help everyone attending have a safe enjoyable festival.” 

Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to arrive along the conurbation’s beaches as the annual air show takes place from Thursday until Sunday.