More and more the Golden Gate Bridge is being buzzed by camera-carrying flying drones, and security-conscious span officials are none too happy about it.
Several times a month bridge officials notice remote-controlled drones flying around the span.
The increased presence of these unmanned aircraft is a major threat, and is of significant concern to those charged with the security of the Golden Gate Bridge
read part of a letter sent last month to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who is looking into drone issues.
One of the drones even crashed into the span’s roadway recently, said Denis Mulligan, the bridge district general manager, raising the issue of traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety.
“It’s a big issue, and there are no restrictions on the drones,” Mulligan said.
The drones have been seen flying behind security fences and past sensors where the bridge prohibits photography for security reasons.
Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as “critical infrastructure,” the bridge district has received roughly $15 million in state and federal grants for security improvements since the 9/11 attacks for both the span and its transit systems.
I saw one the other day flying stationary.