“Flying kites in the street is illegal in London”
The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 explicitly penalizes any person who "shall fly any kite or play at any game to the annoyance of the inhabitants or passengers" in London thoroughfares. This Victorian-era law remains technically in force today.
While kite-flying is now viewed as a pastoral and harmless pastime, in the narrow, crowded streets of Victorian London, it presented a significant public safety risk. A kite flown in a thoroughfare could easily spook carriage horses—the primary mode of heavy transport—leading to runaway wagons, trampled pedestrians, and fatal accidents. The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 was enacted during the early years of Queen Victoria's reign to impose order on the chaotic, teeming streets of a rapidly industrializing London. Despite the passage of nearly two centuries, Section 60 of the Act remains largely in force, though it is rarely prosecuted today.
Where the story gets it wrong
Many people assume this law has been repealed or is completely unenforced. In truth, Section 60 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 remains largely in force today, even though it is rarely prosecuted.
Others assume the law applies to all kite flying anywhere in London, but it specifically targets kite flying in the street that causes obstruction or annoyance to inhabitants or passengers, not kite flying in general.
Some think the law is purely ceremonial and no longer carries any real force, but Section 60 remains technically enforceable law, even if it is rarely invoked by police today.
Every person shall be liable to a penalty who flies any kite or plays at any game to the annoyance of the inhabitants or passengers, or who makes or uses any slide upon ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare, to the common danger of the passengers.
- Current status
- Never Enforced
- Enacted
- August 17, 1839
- Penalty
- Level 1 Fine on Standard Scale (currently up to £200)
- Jurisdiction
- London, England - applies to public streets and thoroughfares within Greater London