ST. PETERSBURG, December 6. /TASS/. The ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Russian city of St. Petersburg has been renewed and will remain in place until April 15, the city's Law, Order and Security Committee reported.
The city's ban on flying drones took effect in early May 2023 and was extended several times. The last time it was extended until September 30.
"St. Petersburg's operational headquarters for implementing measures provided by the Russian president’s decree No. 757 dated October 19, 2022, decided to prohibit the use of unmanned aircraft across St. Petersburg from December 1, 2023, to April 15, 2024," the message stated.
The restrictions do not apply to drones used by federal executive bodies, state and local government agencies, as well as by other organizations that fulfill state orders and those acting in the interests of the media and movie industry, provided they have supporting documents. The use of drones is also allowed during sporting events if it is approved by the Committee for Physical Education and Sports, as well as when ensuring the functioning of fuel and energy facilities (supporting documents are also required).
"We would like to point out that the movement of all types of vessels on Russia’s internal waterways of federal and regional significance is also prohibited on the specified dates. The exceptions are vessels that are used for a special purpose (safety, emergency rescue activities, etc.), are of the appropriate ice class, are equipped with air cushions and have a special design," the committee said.