NEW proposals for tougher sentences for killer drivers have been welcomed by campaigners.

In a major step forward for an issue the Telegraph & Argus has long fought for in our Stop the Danger Drivers campaign, Government has announced that legislation to introduce life sentences for drivers who kill while speeding, racing or using mobile phones will be brought in next year.

There will also be tougher penalties of up to life in prison for careless drivers who kill whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

And there will be a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.

The Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP said: “Punishments must fit the crime but too often families tell us this isn’t the case with killer drivers.

“So, we will bring forward legislation early next year to introduce life sentences for dangerous drivers who kill on our roads, and ensure they feel the full force of the law.”

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins told the Government that bereaved families have waited “long enough” for changes to sentences for those who kill through dangerous driving and called on the Government to give families “the justice they deserve”.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mrs Cummins asked the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, about the announcement.

She said: “I welcome the Sentencing White Paper that the Justice Secretary introduced yesterday (Wednesday) as it re-states the Government’s commitment to increase the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving to life imprisonment.

“But it is now nearly three years since the Government first announced this change. Families waiting for justice have waited long enough.

“So can the Leader of the House tell us exactly when this legislation will be introduced, to give beavered families the justice they deserve?”

He responded: “I thank the hon. Lady for the campaigning she's done on this very important issue and her success in developing policy in this area because I think it is her influence, her questioning, that has helped the government come to its policy decision, which she will have known the Lord Chancellor announced yesterday.

“As regards to the precise timing of the Bill, I can’t give an absolute answer as to the day it will take place but the White Paper sets out a serious government priority which will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows and the Bill has itself been written. That is the not too distant future, so I hope that answer is at least encouraging.”

Speaking afterwards Mrs Cummins said: “This announcement that these changes will be introduced soon is very good news. Bereaved families who have campaigned for this change have waited far too long. I will do everything I can to ensure the Government keeps its word and enacts tougher sentences without delay.”

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake said: “Road crime is real crime and it is high-time that the Government, and the law, recognised this.

“Years of Government inaction have added to the suffering of road victims who have not been delivered the justice they, and their loved ones, deserve. The Government must now implement these tougher sentences as first priority, delivering on their overdue promise to road crash victims, and then urgently initiate a review of the flawed legal framework for road justice. We all want safer roads but we will only achieve this if the law treats road crime with the seriousness it deserves.”