Flying ‘drone’ taxis to be trialled in Bristol – whizzing passengers over traffic by 2023

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FLYING taxis are set to be trialled in Bristol in just two years time.

People in the UK city could be hitching a ride on what are essentially large passenger drones as early as 2023.

The drones could fly people over traffic

The flying taxi project has just got backing from the British Government.

Vertical Aerospace, the company behind the tech, has received a £2.5million grant to test the feasibility of the project.

The creators think 2023 is a fair target for trialling the flying vehicles.

Vertical Aerospace is a Bristol-based company and it will be working with the West of England Combined Authority and another firm called Atkins.

The air taxi will have a pilotCredit: Vertical Aerospace

The project received partial funding from the Government’s Future of Flight Challenge.

This is aiming to find greener and more effective ways to travel that will avoid congestion and help to save the planet.

The flying taxi looks like a large drone

According to Bristol Live, the project will look into public perceptions, demand for a flying taxi service and should eventually include test flights.

Bristol Airport will be the ‘principal support airport’ for the air taxis.

There are hopes the aircraft could also bring new jobs to the area.

Each air taxi would have a pilot and, by the looks of current designs, up to four passengers.

Advanced Air Mobility Lead at Atkins, James Richmond told Bristol Live: “As we look to the future of travel, it’s now more important than ever that we begin exploring more sustainable methods of transport within our increasingly populated cities.”

He added: “This an important and tangible step towards making Advanced Air Mobility a reality, and by demonstrating that we can provide a case for air taxis, we could begin trialling these services as early as 2023.”

We have reached out to Vertical Aerospace for comment.

The UK’s drone code for small personal drones – how should you fly?

Here’s the official advice from the CAA…

Always keep your drone in sight. This means you can see and avoid other things while flying
Stay below 400 feet (120 metres) to comply with the drone code. This reduces the likelihood of a conflict with manned aircraft
Every time you fly your drone, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep your drone, and the people around you, safe
Keep the right distance from people and property. People and properties, 150 feet (50 metres) / Crowds and built-up areas, 500 feet (150 metres)
You are responsible for each flight. Legal responsibility lies with you. Failure to fly responsibly could result in criminal prosecution
Stay well away from aircraft, airports and airfields when flying any drone. It is illegal to fly them inside the airport’s flight restriction zone without permission. If your drone endangers the safety of an aircraft, it is a criminal offence and you could go to prison for five years

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In other news, a high speed train that aims to reach speeds of nearly 400 miles per hour has been unveiled in China.

Samsung has created a ‘cockpit of the future’ for semi-driverless cars – and it looks seriously cool.

And, Tesla’s now have a full driverless mode.

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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk