Speeding and dangerous drivers are to be targeted by Britain’s first traffic drone which was previously used on the battlefield and against terrorists.

The Metropolitan Police revealed yesterday that it will deploy the £80,000 drone to catch dangerous, careless or speeding motorists.

The Aeryon Skyranger drone which can carry night vision cameras as well as zoom lenses was developed for tactical surveillance by the military, has been deployed in war zones across the middle east and is now used by 20 armed forces around the world.

Motoring organisations said the deployment of military-grade technology against drivers would “raise eyebrows” but could be cost effective as a deterrent.

Scotland Yard said the aim of the drone was to catch drivers who put people’s lives at risk, rather than targeting motorists who broke the speed limit by a few miles an hour.

Det Supt Andy Cox, the head of the Met’s roads and traffic policing unit, said: “This is one of many enforcement tactics being used. Its aim is to deter dangerous driving and we hope the message of ‘drive lawfully, stay safe and keep a clean licence’ is widely understood.

“However, deterrence is sometimes best achieved through intense enforcement and that’s what this capability enables.