British Transport Police expands routine BVLOS drone operations across rail network

British Transport Police (BTP) has begun routine use of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drones across Britain’s rail network, using BT’s Drone SIM technology and EE connectivity to provide remote aerial intelligence during incidents.

image: British Transport Police

The force says it is the first UK police force to routinely operate BVLOS drones as part of day-to-day policing. The capability forms part of BTP’s Drones Development Programme and is intended to support responses to incidents including trespass, welfare concerns and operational disruption.

BTP currently has seven remotely operated “drone-in-a-box” sites in operation. Drones can be launched from the sites and controlled by operators at the force’s operations centre at London Bridge, providing live aerial imagery before officers arrive at an incident. The force plans to increase the number of sites to up to 14 over the next two years.

The system is being deployed across a railway network of more than 20,000 miles. BTP said more than 19,300 trespass incidents were recorded during 2023/24, equivalent to around one every 30 minutes, highlighting the scale of incidents that can require a police response.

BT’s Drone SIM provides the command-and-control connection and allows operators to receive real-time video using the EE mobile network. The companies say this can provide connectivity beyond conventional Wi-Fi coverage and in challenging radio-frequency environments.

The intention is to give BTP officers an initial assessment of an incident before committing personnel and resources to the location. BTP says this could improve situational awareness and officer safety while helping reduce delays and disruption to rail services.

The Civil Aviation Authority says it is working to establish routine BVLOS operations by 2027

The Department for Transport says BVLOS operations are not yet fully integrated with other airspace users and that segregated airspace structures are currently used to manage safety risks. A risk-based UK Specific Operational Risk Assessment framework for BVLOS operations has been in place since April 2025.