LIFE FOR DANGER DRIVERS WHO KILL

Blitz after demand by 9,000 victims

KILLER drivers will face life behind bars in a major purge to cut deaths on Britain’s roads.

The penalty for death by dangerous driving will be upped from the present 14-year maximum to deter those tempted to speed, race or use their mobile phones at the wheel.

And careless drivers who kill while on drink or drugs will also get life sentences.

Ministers were swamped by 9,000 submissions from bereaved families and road safety groups urging them to get tough on killer drivers.

Campaigners were furious the existing maximum penalty was rarely imposed. The move follows latest figures which show 157 motorists were convicted of causing death by dangerous driving last year – and 32 of causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Now the offences will be put on a par with manslaughter.

Justice minister Dominic Raab, right, said: “We’ve taken a long hard look at driving sentences.

“Based on the seriousness of the worst cases, we intend to introduce life sentences for those who wreck lives.”

Death by dangerous driving could also be introduced as a charge against rogue cyclists following the high-profile death of mum-of-two Kim Briggs, 44.

She was knocked over and killed by cyclist Charlie Alliston, 20, in East London last year.

Alliston, whose fixed-wheel track bike had no front brakes, was cleared of manslaughter.

But he was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders’ institution under an obscure 19th Century law. Meanwhile, a new

offence of causing serious injury by careless driving will also be created which will carry a prison sentence.

Under existing law a conviction for careless driving carries a maximum penalty of a £5,000 fine regardless of injuries caused.

The Ministry of Justice began a consultation on the issue last year – with results published tomorrow.

Nine in 10 respondents wanted the new offence introduced while 70 per cent called for tougher penalties for existing crimes.

The new sentences will be enforced as soon as ministers can find Parliamentary time to make legal changes.

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