Hammersmith and Fulham Council is set to trial the use of drones for enforcement and surveillance, pending approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Monday 15 September 2025, where a £3.2 million capital investment in CCTV and related artificial intelligence (AI) technologies was approved for the period of 2025/26 to 2027/28. The investment, detailed in the Cabinet Agenda, aims to enhance the borough's crime-fighting capabilities and create a safer environment for residents.
The use of drones will be trialled as an enforcement aid and for additional surveillance, according to the Cabinet's decision. The trial is contingent on receiving the necessary approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.
The investment in CCTV and AI technologies is part of a broader crime strategy that sets out the boroughs aspirations to invest capital money to enhance our crime fighting capabilities...to create a safer borough
. The Cabinet Agenda lists the item as CCTV and Artificial Intelligence - new innovations and improved infrastructure to help combat crime and anti-social behaviour
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The decision to approve the £3.2m CCTV Capital Investment and the drone trial was made by the Cabinet, according to the meeting's decisions. The purpose of the investment is to enhance crime fighting capabilities and create a safer borough.
