South Australian councils are restricting the use of drones. 

Uniform restrictions about remote-controlled flying devices are being set up across the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, City of Onkaparinga, City of Holdfast Bay and City of West Torrens councils.

Lawyer Cimon Burke – an expert in specialist local government by-laws - said the laws should ensure residents can share public spaces without undue hassle.

“Such landholdings are commonly and collectively referred to as local government land, and typically include public reserves, parks and foreshore areas,” Ms Burke told the ABC.

“I'd recommend that in the event of any uncertainty, any person who wishes to operate a model or drone aircraft on or over foreshore areas first contact the local council.

“A maximum penalty of $750 or a maximum expiation fee of $187.50 applies for each breach of a by-law.”

The by-laws come in addition to rules set out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which require commercial operators to be licensed, and limit the use of drones around people, buildings, emergency situations and restrict the times of day they can be operated.