The Lords EU Committee has called for a tracking system for unmanned drones and their users.

In its latest report, the committee said it supported the creation of an online database for commercial users of drones, officially known as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).

But it added that a system tracking all drones, including smaller craft, was necessary to manage safety in the long-term.

“We heard compelling arguments as to why the leisure use of RPAS presents risks to the general public and other airspace users,” the committee wrote.

“Therefore, in the long term, we foresee the need for a system which can track and trace all RPAS, especially those flying below 500ft, irrespective of whether they are flown by commercial or leisure pilots.

“This will be essential not only to manage the increased traffic in the sky, but also to enforce existing and future laws governing RPAS use.”

Committee members warned that the misuse of drones by non-commercial users could pose a threat to public confidence and said police should be given guidance on how to apply drone safety legislation.

Pilots’ union Balpa welcomed “better awareness and enforcement” of the rules but warned that lack of regulation would lead to near misses with passenger aircraft and potentially more serious incidents.

Nevertheless, Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: “These small steps will go some of the way towards the UK becoming a ‘safe drone zone’ so we can make the most of the major business and ­leisure opportunities offered by remotely piloted aircraft while protecting passengers, pilots and residents.”