Petition · past parliament
Refine the ATC radio traffic act to allow UK listening
Closed
298 signatures
What the petition asks
Refine the ATC radio traffic act to allow UK listening
Current law states you can only listen to transmissions meant for general reception. This means the general public can not listen to ATC traffic in the UK (but can listen to ATC in the US!).
Current law states you can only listen to transmissions meant for general reception. This means the general public can not listen to ATC traffic in the UK (but can listen to ATC in the US!).
A licence is not required for a radio receiver as long as it is not capable of transmission as well (The Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus (Receivers) (Exemption) Regulations 1989 (SI 1989 No 123).
Although it is not illegal to sell, buy or own a scanning or other receiver in the UK, it must only be used to listen to transmissions meant for GENERAL RECEPTION.
It is an offence to listen to any other radio services unless you are authorised by a designated person to do so.
Although it is not illegal to sell, buy or own a scanning or other receiver in the UK, it must only be used to listen to transmissions meant for GENERAL RECEPTION.
It is an offence to listen to any other radio services unless you are authorised by a designated person to do so.
Timeline
| 31 May 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 30 Nov 2016 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
298
Status
Closed
Opened
31 May 2016
Closed
30 Nov 2016
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.