UK considers state-backed drone scheme to deliver in rural areas

Government is looking at ways to revolutionise transport in rural areas

Views being sought on ways to bring 21st-century transport to the UK's most remote areas. DfT

Drone deliveries could be introduced in the UK's most remote rural regions to ensure they are not missing out on technological advances.
Other possibilities being looked at include electric aircraft for short-distance trips, electric cargo bikes and walking and cycling apps.
The ideas, unveiled by Transport Minister Rachel Maclean, are included in a call for more evidence on the potential for improving rural life.

The advances would be for parts of the country where the fastest internet speeds are currently a dream, or the performance of GPS navigation is less than stellar.
"This call for evidence will give us a unique opportunity to harness the community spirit of rural areas to understand how innovation in transport can benefit the people and communities that need it most," she said.

"Now more than ever, it is important that we use the power of transport to build."
Ms Maclean said she wants to know how transport innovation can be enjoyed by everyone in rural areas, where the nearest transport hub is about eight kilometres away.
The plan for rural travel includes looking at digital platforms so that people can pay for trips in one place, linking rural bus, train, ferry or air services.

They will also look at e-bikes as a way of helping rural health initiatives.

Opportunities for drones to make deliveries in rural or isolated towns and areas will be explored.
So far, drone deliveries have mostly been tested in urban areas, but regional advocates say they could be suited to the greater distances in rural areas.

In the UAE, Dubai has taken the first steps in creating a commercial drone network.

The Dubai Sky Dome project would pave the way for the delivery of packages and even the transport of passengers, the government said.
China used drones and robots in its fight to contain Covid-19, with medical authorities and security forces employing autonomous agents to limit human contact and slow the spread of the virus.